Diane Keaton, who won an Academy Award for her starring role in “Annie Hall,” died Thursday in California. She was 79.
People magazine first reported her death. Keaton captured the Best Actress Oscar in 1978 for playing Woody Allen’s quirky love interest in the romantic comedy that also won Best Picture.
The role made her a cultural icon. Young women across America copied her style. They wore oversized hats, men’s shirts and ties.
The actress earned three additional Oscar nominations during her five-decade career for “Reds,” “Something’s Gotta Give” and “Marvin’s Room.” (RELATED: Paul Newman’s Daughter Susan Kendall Newman Dead At 72)
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. pic.twitter.com/rwxUWCaLHp— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 11, 2025
Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on Jan. 5, 1946, she adopted her mother’s maiden name when she began acting professionally. She first gained attention on Broadway in 1968’s “Hair,” where she refused to participate in the production’s nude scene.
Her breakthrough came playing Kay Adams in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” in 1972. She reprised the role in two sequels, playing the wife of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone.
Beyond acting, Keaton directed films including “Unstrung Heroes” and “Hanging Up.” She produced Gus Van Sant’s “Elephant” and published three memoirs. The American Film Institute honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Her final screen appearance came in 2024’s “Summer Camp” alongside Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard.
Keaton, who never married, adopted two children. Her daughter Dexter and son Duke survive her.
The actress once said she wanted a career like Katharine Hepburn’s. “She matured. She made the changes,” Keaton told The New Yorker at the peak of her fame.
