Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, beloved for her iconic roles in “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather” trilogy, and “The First Wives Club,” died Saturday, October 11, 2025, at age 79 in California. The legendary performer’s death was confirmed by producer and friend Dori Rath to CBS News, with a family spokesperson telling People magazine that no further details were available and requesting privacy during this time of great sadness.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to Keaton’s Brentwood home at 8:08 a.m. local time Saturday and transported a 79-year-old woman to a local hospital, though no cause of death has been disclosed.
Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on January 5, 1946, Keaton was the oldest of four children. Her father worked as a civil engineer while her mother was a homemaker with entertainment aspirations. Keaton adopted her mother’s maiden name professionally because another Diane Hall was already registered with Actors’ Equity.
After performing in high school plays and briefly studying drama in college, Keaton dropped out and moved to New York City to pursue theater. She studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse drama school before landing her Broadway debut in the original 1968 production of “Hair” as understudy for Sheila. The following year, she starred in Woody Allen’s Broadway show “Play It Again, Sam,” earning a Tony nomination and sparking both a romantic relationship and professional collaboration that would define both artists’ careers.
Keaton’s film debut came in 1970’s “Lovers and Other Strangers,” but her breakthrough role arrived in 1972 when Francis Ford Coppola cast her as Kay Adams, girlfriend to Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone, in “The Godfather.” Remarkably, Keaton hadn’t read Mario Puzo’s bestselling novel before her audition. She reprised the role in the 1974 sequel “The Godfather Part II” and returned for 1990’s “The Godfather Part III.”
Her collaboration with Allen continued through several films including “Sleeper” (1973) and “Love and Death” (1975), but it was 1977’s “Annie Hall” that cemented her place in cinema history. Playing the title character opposite Allen’s neurotic comedian, Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1978. The film’s portrayal of Annie’s wardrobe, which mirrored Keaton’s own preference for menswear, vests, and structured trousers, established her as a lasting style icon.
Despite her early success, Keaton struggled with insecurities and never watched her own films. She battled bulimia during her “Hair” years after the show’s director suggested she lose weight, though she later clarified through therapy that the eating disorder stemmed from deeper mental health issues rather than external pressure alone.
Throughout her five-decade career, Keaton demonstrated remarkable versatility across genres. She starred in the acclaimed 1982 film “Reds” opposite Warren Beatty, earning her second Oscar nomination. The 1987 comedy “Baby Boom” showcased her comedic talents as a businesswoman unexpectedly caring for an infant, while 1991’s “Father of the Bride” alongside Steve Martin became a beloved family classic.
The 1990s brought “The First Wives Club,” where Keaton starred alongside Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn as women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands. Her later career included Nancy Meyers collaborations like 2003’s “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson, which earned her a fourth Oscar nomination, and the recent “Book Club” franchise targeting older audiences.
Beyond acting, Keaton directed several films including the 1987 documentary “Heaven,” 1995’s “Unstrung Heroes,” and 2000’s “Hanging Up.” She also authored multiple books, including her 2011 memoir “Then Again” and 2020’s “Brother & Sister,” which examined her relationship with her brother Randy and his struggles with mental illness.
Tributes poured in from fellow actors following news of her death. First Wives Club co-star Bette Midler described Keaton as brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary, noting she was completely without guile or competitiveness. Goldie Hawn said Keaton left a trail of fairy dust filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination. Actor Ben Stiller called her one of the greatest film actors ever and an icon of style, humor, and comedy.
Keaton never married but adopted two children in her 50s: daughter Dexter, now 29, and son Duke, 25. In her 2011 autobiography, she reflected on her happiness, writing that she felt totally content whenever her loved ones were happy about something, whether little, big, or insignificant. She expressed in a 2022 interview that she considered herself the luckiest woman ever and remained grateful for continued opportunities to stay active and involved in her craft.
Her most recent film was 2024’s “Summer Camp” alongside Eugene Levy and Kathy Bates. Her final public Instagram post on April 11 featured a photo with her beloved Golden Retriever, Reggie.
