Actress, Diane Keaton, known for Annie Hall, passed away at the age of 79. Her death was first reported by PEOPLE magazine, and subsequently confirmed by other media outlets on October 11, 2025. A native of Los Angeles, Diane Keaton rose to fame in the 1970s with her roles in The Godfather and in several films directed by Woody Allen. Diane shared a special bond with Woody, marked by professional collaboration as well as a personal relationship. As a friend and ex-lover, her death deeply affected him.
Woody Allen’s reaction to his ex-girlfriend, Diane Keaton’s death
The 89-year-old actor-filmmaker, Woody Allen, was shocked and ‘upset’ over his ex-girlfriend and long-time collaborator, Diane Keaton’s death, a source shared with Page Six. Although the couple broke up long ago, they had amicable feelings towards each other. Thus, the news of her demise due to causes undisclosed, shook him. He even thought about his own mortality after knowing about Diane’s sudden passing. Woody Allen was reportedly unaware that her health had ‘declined very suddenly’ in the months before her death, as her family chose to keep her health private. The source told the outlet:
“He is extremely distraught and surprised and upset. It makes him think of his own mortality.”
How did Diane Keaton and Woody Allen’s love story start?
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen had a romantic relationship from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, which then evolved into a long-lasting professional collaboration and friendship. Diane and Woody first met when she auditioned for his Broadway play, Play It Again, Sam, in 1969. Allen later wrote in his memoir that he was immediately attracted to her. Then they began dating and lived together in Manhattan. Their relationship lasted for several years, though sources vary on the exact duration. Their romantic relationship ended in the early 1970s.
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen remained creative partners and friends after breakup
Even after their romance ended, Diane and Woody remained close friends and professional collaborators for decades. In 2017, Diane told PEOPLE that she ‘adored him’. When Woody Allen faced sexual abuse allegations during the #MeToo movement in 2018, Diane Keaton publicly defended him, tweeting, “Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him.” For those unversed, Woody’s daughter, Dylan Farrow, alleged that Allen had sexually abused her in an attic when she was seven years old.
Dylan made her statements during Woody’s bitter custody dispute with Mia Farrow over her. Dylan was also alleged to have had an affair with Mia Farrow’s adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. State authorities in both New York and Connecticut investigated the allegations, but Allen was not criminally charged. After the trial proceedings, it was hinted that Dylan’s claims might have stemmed from her mother’s grooming.
Professional collaborations between Diane Keaton and Woody Allen
Diane Keaton became Woody Allen’s muse, appearing in several of his films over two decades. Their first work together is Play It Again, Sam (1972), with Diane starring and Woody directing. Then Diane starred opposite Woody in this sci-fi comedy, Sleeper (1973). Two years later, she again co-starred with Woody in Love and Death. Then came their most notable project, Annie Hall (1977), for which Diane Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Notably, the film was heavily inspired by her relationship with Woody Allen. Then they starred together in Manhattan (1979) and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993).
What are your thoughts on Diane Keaton and Woody Allen’s long-term relationship, marked by professional and personal ties? Let us know.
Also Read: How Did Diane Keaton Die? Inside The Actress’ Sudden Health Decline Before Her Passing At 79