The news of Diane Keaton’s death at the age of 79 on Saturday has prompted an outpouring of tributes and affection for the late actress whose career spanned 50 years.
Major Hollywood figures took to social media upon the news of her death to praise the trailblazing award-winner, known for her quirky roles and her unique trend-setting fashion.
Bette Midler, who co-starred with Keaton in The First Wives Club, wrote on Instagram that news of “brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary” Keaton’s death made her “unbearably sad.”
“She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!” Midler wrote.
Steve Martin, who starred opposite Keaton in Father of the Bride, simply posted “Loved! ‘La dee da, la dee da'” along with a picture of young Keaton on X. He also posted a section of an interview he and long-time collaborator Martin Short conducted with Keaton, in which they asked her which of them she found sexier. Keaton merely replied: “I mean, you’re both idiots.”
Tributes even came from political figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, who put Keaton “in a class all her own, an icon,” and a “remarkable woman.”
“She was a self-described oddball, uniquely stylish, deeply creative, funny, and an acting legend who could steal the screen in comic and dramatic roles alike,” Newsom wrote in a statement.
What To Know
Keaton was an Oscar-winner who starred in such film classics as the The Godfather and Annie Hall, the latter of which earned her wins for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes.
Keaton was known as a trailblazer for women in Hollywood who brought a mix of vulnerability and authenticity to her roles. She held leading roles for five decades and four Oscar nominations, including her win for Annie Hall.
She leaves behind her two children, daughter Dexter and son Duke, who she adopted when she was in her 50s. A family spokesperson told the outlet that they are asking for privacy at this time.
The cause of death was not immediately available.
What People Are Saying
Mary Steenburgen, Keaton’s co-star in Book Club, in a statement to Deadline: “Diane was magic. There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her. I loved her and felt blessed to be her friend. My love to her family. What a wonder she was!!!”
Kimberly Williams-Paisely, who played Keaton’s daughter in Father of the Bride, on Instagram: “Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”
Goldie Hawn, who also starred in The First Wives Club with Keaton, on Instagram: “How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to “shut up” honey. There was, and will be, no one like you.”
“You stole the hearts of the world and shared your genius with millions, making films that made us laugh and cry in ways only you could. I was blessed to make First Wives Club with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love,” she continued.
“We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends.
Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”
Director Paul Feig wrote on X: “I was so honored to call Diane Keaton a friend. She was an amazingly kind and creative person who also just happened to be a Hollywood legend. She has been taken from us far too soon. We will miss you, Diane.”
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon, who worked with Keaton in Five Flights Up, wrote on Instagram: “When I was a kid, Diane Keaton was my absolute idol. I loved her acting. I loved her vibe. I loved her everything.” She added that working with Keaton was a “dream come true.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, who featured in The First Wives Club and The Family Stone with Keaton, told Variety in a statement: “Diane Keaton has been a point of inspiration for countless actresses. I include myself among those who loved and admired her. I was very privileged to witness her singular skill and talent on both ‘The First Wives Club’ and ‘The Family Stone.’ I will cherish those memories on set as well her touching, delightful and perfectly own cinematic career, which is a gorgeous legacy of an exquisite person. She will be terribly missed. RIP.”
Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Keaton in Book Club and its sequel, on Instagram: ““It’s hard to believe or accept that Diane has passed. She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative in her acting, her wardrobe, her books, her friends, her homes, her library, her world view. Unique is what she was. And, though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress!”
Belinda Carlisle, who worked with Keaton on her music videos for “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” and “I Get Week,” on X: “Diane Keaton was such a talent and a big part of my career. She directed two videos of mine – “Heaven Is A Place on Earth” and the video for “I Get Weak.” She was kind and eccentric and I was blessed to know her. RIP Diane, you will be missed.”
Actor and director Ben Stiller wrote on X: “Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.”
Octavia Spencer on Instagram: “Today we lost a true original. [Diane Keaton] wasn’t just an actress: she was a force. a woman who showed us that being yourself is the most powerful thing you can be.
From Annie Hall to Something’s Gotta Give, she made every role unforgettable. But beyond the screen, she brought joy, laughter, and style that was all her own. Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that authenticity never goes out of fashion.”
Viola Davis on Instagram: “No!! No!!! No!! God, not yet, NO!!! Man… you defined womanhood. The pathos, humor, levity, your ever-present youthfulness and vulnerability — you tattooed your SOUL into every role, making it impossible to imagine anyone else inhabiting them. You were undeniably, unapologetically YOU!!! Loved you. Man… rest well. God bless your family, and I know angels are flying you home.”
British broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X: “RIP Diane Keaton, 79. Oscar-winning star of Annie Hall, brilliant in the Godfather and Father of the Bride movies. One of Hollywood’s greatest actresses, and a delightful lady. Sad news.”
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
