Actress Diane Keaton, known for her Oscar-winning performance in 1977’s Annie Hall and her memorable roles in The Godfather films, has died at the age of 79, People magazine reported on Saturday (October 11, 2025).
According to People, Keaton passed away in California. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve, and no further details have been released.
Born in Los Angeles in 1946 as Diane Hall, Keaton was the eldest of four children. Her father was a civil engineer, while her mother, a homemaker with creative aspirations, inspired her artistic spirit. “Secretly, in her heart of hearts, she probably wanted to be an entertainer of some kind,” Keaton told People in 2004.
After high school, Keaton pursued acting, moving to New York to chase her Broadway dreams. She adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, for professional use. Her early work included performing in Hair and Play It Again, Sam, earning a Tony nomination for the latter.
Her big break came in 1972 when she was cast as Kay Adams in The Godfather, opposite Al Pacino. The role catapulted her to stardom, and she went on to reprise the part in both sequels. In 1977, Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her iconic performance in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall.
Across her five-decade career, Keaton became one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and admired performers, starring in hits such as The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, and the Book Club films. Known for her sharp wit, unique style, and enduring charm, she left an indelible mark on American cinema.
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