Diane Keaton, the iconic actress known for her roles in films such as The Godfather, Reds, The First Wives Club, and Annie Hall, has passed away at the age of 79. Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton first gained public recognition in 1968 when she starred in the original Broadway production of Hair. The following year, she appeared in Play It Again, Sam, a play written by and starring Woody Allen, which earned her a Tony Award nomination in 1970.
Keaton transitioned from Broadway to television before landing a role that would solidify her status in Hollywood. She portrayed Kay Adams in The Godfather, playing the love interest of Al Pacino’s character, Michael Corleone. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning three Oscars and spawning two sequels. It is widely recognized as one of the greatest works in cinema history.
Following the success of The Godfather, Keaton continued to collaborate with Allen as his career shifted from Broadway to Hollywood. She starred in several of his films, including Play It Again, Sam (1972), Sleeper (1973), Love and Death (1975), and Annie Hall (1977). Each of these films was successful, but Annie Hall, in which Keaton played the title character, was particularly influential. The film became one of the most successful and well-regarded comedies of all time, largely due to Keaton’s performance.
Keaton’s portrayal of Annie Hall, a quirky, free-spirited character, turned her into an unlikely fashion icon and a symbol of 1970s feminism. In 1977, she appeared on the cover of Time Magazine and starred in Looking For Mr. Goodbar. The following year, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Annie Hall.
Keaton’s career continued to flourish. She earned three more Oscar nominations for her roles in Reds (1980), Marvin’s Room (1997), and Something’s Gotta Give (2003). This made her one of only two actresses to earn Best Actress nominations across four consecutive decades, the other being Meryl Streep.
Keaton’s versatility as an actress allowed her to excel in both comedies and dramas, making her a favorite among critics and audiences alike. Her films, which include Baby Boom, Father Of The Bride, The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, The Family Stone, and Book Club, have grossed over $2.5 billion at the global box office. Her most recent film was 2024’s Summer Camp, in which she starred alongside Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard.
The cause of Keaton’s death is currently unknown. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an emergency at her California home, after which an individual believed to be Keaton was transported to a local hospital.