The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79 in California on Saturday, October 11, as confirmed by People magazine. During this difficult time, her family has requested privacy to grieve.
Keaton, a symbol of American cinema since the 1970s, gained widespread recognition for her role in The Godfather and her collaborations with Woody Allen. She earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Annie Hall (1977). Throughout her illustrious career, she starred in popular films such as The First Wives Club, several of Nancy Meyers' films, and the Book Club series.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born as Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she was the eldest of four siblings. Her father worked as a civil engineer, while her mother was a homemaker. "Deep down, she probably wanted to be an artist... She was beautiful. She was my advocate," Keaton reflected about her mother in a 2004 interview with People. She adopted her mother's maiden name, Keaton, as her professional name after discovering another Diane Hall was already listed with Actors’ Equity.
Broadway and Film Breakthrough
Keaton honed her skills in theater and, upon moving to New York, found work on Broadway. In 1968, she served as an understudy for the role of Sheila in Hair; by 1969, she starred in Play It Again, Sam, earning a Tony nomination. Years later, she revealed her battle with bulimia during her time in Hair, describing it as a "mental illness... I became an expert at hiding," she shared in 2017, noting that therapy helped her overcome the disorder.
Iconic Roles and Lasting Legacy
Her film debut came with Lovers and Other Strangers (1970), but it was her role as Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, that catapulted her to stardom. "The kindest thing anyone ever did for me... was casting me in The Godfather without even reading for it," she admitted to People in 2022. She reprised this iconic role in both The Godfather II (1974) and The Godfather III (1990), with both sequels also winning the Oscar for Best Picture.
Keaton's passing marks the end of an extraordinary career spanning over five decades, characterized by her versatility, charisma, and indelible impact on romantic comedies and drama. As the world awaits more information and celebrates her artistic legacy, her family continues to seek privacy, as reported by People.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diane Keaton
What was Diane Keaton's breakthrough role?
Diane Keaton's breakthrough role was as Kay Adams in "The Godfather," directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Which award did Diane Keaton win for "Annie Hall"?
Diane Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Annie Hall."
What did Diane Keaton reveal about her personal struggles?
Diane Keaton revealed that she struggled with bulimia during her time in "Hair," which she overcame through therapy.