Diane Keaton, the beloved star of The Godfather and Something’s Gotta Give, has died at 79. A spokesperson for her family confirmed that she passed away in California and asked for privacy as they grieve.
The spokesperson did not share further details about her death. Keaton was known for her sharp wit, signature style, and timeless performances that left a lasting mark on Hollywood.
She gained fame with her roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather, where she played Kay Adams, the girlfriend and later wife of Michael Corleone. Her performance in those films earned her a reputation as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Tributes from fans and fellow stars began flooding social media soon after the news broke. Talk show host Piers Morgan wrote: “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.”
Another fan posted: “This one hurts so much: Farewell to one cinema’s greatest legends, the extraordinary Diane Keaton, who passed away at just 79. She has brought so much joy with her talent over the decades of unforgettable performances. R.I.P.”
A third added: “Diane Keaton in ANNIE HALL made me realize that my love of movies was something more than just a hobby. An irreplaceable, inimitable icon. The lights of cinema have grown a little dimmer today.”
Keaton was born and raised in Los Angeles. She discovered her love for acting at Santa Ana High School, where she performed as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. After graduating, she studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City and soon began working on Broadway.
She first gained attention as an understudy in the original 1968 production of Hair before landing her breakout film role in The Godfather. In a 2022 interview, Keaton said: “I think the kindest thing that someone’s ever done for me is that I got cast to be in The Godfather and I didn’t even read it. I didn’t know a single thing. I just was going around auditioning. I think that was amazing for me. And then I had to kind of read the book.”
Director Francis Ford Coppola later explained why he cast her, saying: “I chose you, because although you were to play the more straight/vanilla wife, there was something more about you, deeper, funnier, and very interesting. I was right.”
Keaton never married but became a devoted mother to her two adopted children, Dexter and Duke. Her warmth, humor, and originality will continue to inspire generations of actors and movie lovers.
