Diane Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, has died at 79. She was known for her sharp wit, warmth, and unique personality that made every role unforgettable.

People Magazine reported that Keaton died in California surrounded by her loved ones. A family spokesperson confirmed her death, but no further details were released. Representatives for Keaton did not respond to The Associated Press for comment.

Tributes From Across Hollywood

The news shocked fans and celebrities around the world. Bette Midler, her “The First Wives Club” co-star, wrote on Instagram, “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!”

Leonardo DiCaprio, who played her nephew in “Marvin’s Room” when he was 18, said she was “one of a kind. Brilliant, funny and unapologetically herself… she will be deeply missed.”

The Actress Who Defined a Generation

Diane Keaton became a symbol of wit and individuality in the 1970s. Her roles in “Annie Hall” and “The Godfather” made her one of Hollywood’s most admired talents.

She won an Oscar for “Annie Hall” and earned three more nominations for “Reds,” “Marvin’s Room,” and “Something’s Gotta Give.” When she accepted her Oscar in 1978, she simply said, “This is something.”

Early Life and Career

Keaton was born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in January 1946. Her mother was a homemaker and photographer, and her father worked in real estate and engineering.

She developed a love for theater while studying in Santa Ana, California. After one year of college, she moved to New York to pursue acting. She adopted her mother’s maiden name, “Keaton,” because another actress had already registered as Diane Hall.

She trained under the famous acting teacher Sanford Meisner. In her memoir “Then Again,” she said, “More than anything, Sanford Meisner helped me learn to appreciate the darker side of behavior.”

Her Broadway start came as an understudy in “Hair.” She later earned a Tony nomination for “Play It Again, Sam.”

Breakthrough With “The Godfather”

Keaton made her film debut in “Lovers and Other Strangers” (1970). Her big break came as Kay Adams in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.” The role made her an international star.

She returned for “The Godfather Part II” and “Part III,” working closely with Al Pacino. Though she said she never fully related to Kay, she valued the experience deeply.

The Woody Allen Era

The 1970s brought a creative partnership with Woody Allen that shaped her career. She starred in several of his films, including “Sleeper,” “Love and Death,” “Interiors,” “Manhattan,” and “Annie Hall.”

Critic Vincent Canby wrote, “Her Annie Hall is a marvelous nut.” The film became one of cinema’s most beloved romantic comedies.

Keaton admitted that Annie Hall reflected parts of her real life. “My last name is Hall. Woody and I did share a significant romance, according to me, anyway,” she wrote.

Keaton and Allen dated from 1968 to 1974 but remained lifelong friends and collaborators. She later appeared in “Radio Days” and “Manhattan Murder Mystery.”

Personal Life and Choices

Keaton had relationships with Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, and Al Pacino. However, she never married. In her 50s, she adopted two children — Dexter and Duke.

“I figured the only way to realize my number-one dream of becoming an actual Broadway musical comedy star was to remain an adoring daughter,” she wrote. “Loving a man and becoming a wife would have to be put aside.”

Partnership With Nancy Meyers

In 1987, Keaton began working with filmmaker Nancy Meyers. Their collaboration produced four successful films, including “Baby Boom,” “Father of the Bride,” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”

Her role in “Something’s Gotta Give” earned her another Oscar nomination. The film also inspired the “coastal grandmother” fashion trend. Keaton later called it her favorite movie.

Beyond Acting

Keaton directed and wrote throughout her career. She directed an episode of “Twin Peaks,” the film “Hanging Up,” and music videos. She also wrote several books, including her memoirs “Then Again” and “Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty.”

Her later roles included “The Family Stone,” “Morning Glory,” and “Book Club.” She continued acting well into her 70s.

A Celebrated Legacy

In 2017, Keaton received the AFI Life Achievement Award. “I feel like it’s the wedding I never had, or the big gathering I never had,” she said. “It’s really a big event for me and I’m deeply grateful.”

In 2022, she left her handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. “I don’t think about my film legacy,” she said. “I’m just lucky to have been here at all.”

Remembering Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton’s influence on cinema remains unmatched. She brought honesty, humor, and vulnerability to every role. Her style and spirit continue to inspire generations of actors and fans.

Her legacy will endure — through her films, her words, and the characters that made her unforgettable.