Celebrities React to the Death of Diane Keaton at Age 79

The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of Diane Keaton, who has passed away at the age of 79.

People reported her death on Saturday, October 11, with confirmation that the iconic star of The Godfather series died in California. Her family has requested privacy as they navigate this challenging time.

Bette Midler was quick to express her grief in a heartfelt message soon after the announcement of Keaton’s death.

“The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has passed. My heart aches with the sadness of her loss,” the 79-year-old actress shared on Instagram. “She was a comedic genius, a true original, without guile or the competitiveness one might have anticipated from such a celebrated figure. She was authentically herself … oh, la, lala!”

Keaton’s co-star from Father of the Bride, Steve Martin, also shared his sentiments, posting a picture of her on X with a simple tribute.

“Loved!” he wrote, quoting her line, “La dee da, la dee da.”

Numerous celebrities such as Brad Garrett and Olivia Munn expressed their grief through heartfelt emojis on social media, while others shared deeper tributes to celebrate the actress’s rich legacy.

Scroll down to see additional tributes from fellow celebrities honoring Keaton’s impactful life:

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

“Diane was a groundbreaking actor in both comedy and drama,” the Veep star said in a social media post. “She was an unparalleled artist. Forever grateful for her brilliance. Rest in peace, @diane_keaton #dianekeaton.”

Michael Douglas

“Rest in peace, dear friend Diane Keaton. A tremendous loss of one of the most significant figures of our industry,” Douglas shared on Instagram. “I cherish all the treasured memories from our collaboration in *And So It Goes* nearly a dozen years ago. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Keaton family during this heart-wrenching moment.”

Mia Farrow

“Diane was a phenomenally talented actress and a unique, captivating person,” Farrow wrote on Instagram alongside a timeless photo of Keaton. “My thoughts are with her children and sisters. May she rest in peace.”

Abby Lee Miller

“This is one of those stories from Hollywood that feels almost surreal! While getting my hair styled, I encountered Diane Keaton’s children who sought a photo with me!” the reality star remembered on Instagram. “Imagine this iconic movie legend standing in front of me, asking for a photo with her kids? I exclaimed ‘Of course, Ms. Keaton! May I have one with you too?’ Her absence will be felt by millions, but her legacy will keep on entertaining audiences everywhere! Thank you, Diane Keaton.”

Reese Witherspoon

At her Shine Away event in Los Angeles, Witherspoon reflected on Keaton’s influence on her early career. “I wish to take a moment to discuss how significant Diane was for me. When I was merely 15, she served as a mentor for me in this industry,” she shared during her speech. “I was fresh off a move from Nashville and had no connections. In what might have been my second or third audition, I met Diane. After my audition, she looked me in the eye and asked, ‘Who are you?’”

Witherspoon recounted how she confidently introduced herself: “I’m Reese Witherspoon from Nashville.”

Diane remarked, “Are you making that accent up?” and then added, “You’re hired today, tomorrow, [and] the day after! I don’t know who you are, but I’m thrilled to have you.”

Melissa Joan Hart

“Some people seem eternal, yet it took my breath away to learn about Diane Keaton’s passing! Her body of work, class, style, and remarkable talent paired with her ability to keep her personal life private makes her a figure worthy of admiration for generations to come,” the actress expressed on social media. “I’ve loved every film of hers, from #BabyBoom to #SomethingsGottaGive, yet I must admit… I’ve never watched #AnnieHall. Looks like that’ll change this weekend! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”

KaDee Strickland

“SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE was one of my early roles, and I was fortunate to share the screen with my idol. @diane_keaton wore her cape effortlessly,” wrote the actress, who starred alongside Keaton in the rom-com. “She was warm, inviting, and immensely focused while maintaining her signature humor. An artist of exceptional caliber. #dianekeaton #rip 🤍.”

Clint Eastwood

“Rest in Peace, Diane Keaton,” the acclaimed actor and director expressed. “Back in 1991, Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals honored both Clint and Diane Keaton as Man and Woman of the Year — an occasion that brought together two remarkable artists defined by integrity and creativity.”

He reminisced, “This rare photograph from that event marks the only known public appearance made together by the two. Years later, Diane expressed interest in collaborating, saying: ‘I would love to work with Clint Eastwood, of course.’ A partnership sadly never materialized.”

Ben Stiller

The esteemed actor took to X to pay tribute to Keaton following her passing. “Diane Keaton. One of the most remarkable film actors of all time. A style icon filled with humor and brilliance. An exceptional human being,” he elaborated on Saturday.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley

“This news breaks my heart,” the Father of the Bride alum commented on Instagram. “Working alongside Diane Keaton stands as one of the highlights of my professional journey.”

Henry Winkler

“Diane was a cherished friend of ours,” the actor noted on X after the news broke. “A remarkably talented individual. Diane, you will be profoundly missed. Rest in tranquility, as sweetly as you have been towards everyone you’ve encountered. Much love from Harry and Stacey.”

Matthew Modine

“Occasionally, a person appears who transcends definition. An enchanting enigma, pursuing their internal mystery only to reveal the extraordinary within — providing a captivating experience,” the actor reflected on Saturday via X. “Diane epitomized those virtues—all encased within her beautiful smile, sharp wit, and joyfully infectious laughter. Safe travels, sister.”

Josh Gad

“This is such a tremendous loss. Diane Keaton, in countless ways, has shaped my passion for film,” the Frozen star acknowledged in an Instagram post. “From Annie Hall to The Godfather films, from First Wives Club to Baby Boom, from Father of the Bride to Something’s Gotta Give, her filmography is truly iconic and Hall of Fame worthy.”

Gad shared their memorable experience saying, “We crossed paths many years ago on an unproduced HBO pilot, and I have fond memories of our interactions.”

“I discovered one of the most humble, unrelentingly funny, and incredibly talented individuals I’ve ever encountered,” he expressed. “This year will forever be remembered as the time we lost a Hollywood icon that can never be replaced.”

He concluded, “Figures like Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton are irreplaceable talents who transformed cinema for generations. Losing them feels like we’re also losing that golden era we yearn for. My heartfelt condolences go to Diane’s family during this unbearable time. RIP.”

Kate Hudson

“We love you endlessly, Diane,” Hudson shared via Instagram, accompanied by a memorable clip from The First Wives Club.

Sophia Bush

“I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear about Diane Keaton,” she noted in an Instagram Story on October 11. “Rest in peace, legendary figure. Your teachings will forever remain with me.”

Carrie Preston

“An absolute icon—an inspiring and original force in the world of art and expression,” she remarked in the comments on Variety’s Instagram tribute. “My condolences to her family and all who loved her dearly.”

Sarah Hyland

“Heartbroken” was how the Modern Family star expressed her feelings in an Instagram reply to People’s announcement of Keaton’s passing.

Beverly Mitchell

The former 7th Heaven star referred to Keaton as “a legend” in her reactions shared on Instagram.

Arielle Kebbel

“I can’t even cope,” she posted on Instagram. “First Robert Jane, and now Diane. The world feels different now. Hope you’re all embracing each other up there in heaven.”

Jeremy O. Harris

The actor and playwright shared an homage to Keaton on X on October 11, stating, “Rest in peace to one of America’s most graceful, elegant, and fiercely talented muses, Diane Keaton, who upheld a sense of self in every role—a vital lesson for me as a budding performer to explore the many facets of oneself.”

Ricki Lake

“This is just overwhelming. Oh my goodness,” the actress exclaimed in an Instagram comment. “Nooooooooo!”

Nia Long

“Noooooooo!” she exclaimed in her Instagram comment. “This is too heartbreaking.”

Derek Hough

“This news is devastating,” the dancer shared in response to People’s post on Instagram. “It feels so unexpected.”

Garcelle Beauvais

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star conveyed her shock with a simple, emotional response: “NOOOOO,” on People’s announcement post.

Raven Goodwin

“The ultimate!” she declared in an Instagram comment.

Piers Morgan

“Rest in peace, Diane Keaton, 79,” Morgan shared via X on October 11. “An Oscar-winning star, brilliant in Annie Hall, and remarkable in both The Godfather and Father of the Bride films. One of Hollywood’s premier actresses and a lovely lady. Truly sad news.”

Mandy Moore

“They say not to meet your heroes, but I had the honor to work alongside one of mine and even refer to her as ‘mom’ for a few months. It was a lifetime privilege,” Moore wrote on Instagram, referencing their project, *Because I Said So* in 2007. “Diane was truly an incandescent soul.”

Moore continued, “I am saddened by her departure across countless reasons, especially because it seemed she would be with us forever, dazzling us with her talent and elegance! One of the greatest actresses to grace the screen. All of my love goes out to her children and loved ones.”

Ashley Tisdale

“Devastated to hear about @diane_keaton,” Tisdale shared via Instagram Stories. “You were one of my biggest inspirations; it was always a dream to meet you in real life.”

Vanessa Hudgens

“RIP, this icon,” she expressed in an Instagram Story. “What a wonderful gift she has left us through her films.”

Belinda Carlisle

The singer-songwriter reminisced about Keaton’s role in directing her music videos in the early 90s. “Diane was an extraordinary talent and a major part of my career,” she remembered on Instagram. “She directed my videos, including ‘Heaven Is A Place on Earth’ and ‘I Get Weak.’ It was an honor to have known her. This is such a tremendous loss.”

Ed Begley Jr.

Keaton’s Book Club co-star shared exclusively with Us Weekly that he regarded her as a “dear, dear friend.”

“Diane held a special place in my heart; her passing struck me hard,” he expressed.

Maria Shriver

The journalist fondly remembered Keaton as “a true original.”

“I spent my youth watching her and was constantly amazed by her abilities. I admired her as she made her mark across diverse artistic fronts,” Shriver reflected. “Diane was always evolving, creating, and remaining true to herself. We shared a neighborhood and often dined at the same local restaurant. Her spirit was forever joyful, kind, and generous.”

Viola Davis

Davis expressed shock at Keaton’s sudden departure.

“No! No!! NO!! God, not yet, NO!!! You represented womanhood profoundly,” Davis stated on Instagram. “The emotional depth, humor, and youthful essence you provided within each role made it unimaginable to picture anyone else portraying them. You were undeniably, unapologetically YOU! Much love for you. Rest in peace. God bless your family; I know angels are welcoming you home.”

Marcia Gay Harden

Keaton’s foe in The First Wives Club reflected on their close relationship off-screen. “We are all going to deeply miss this wonderfully remarkable, distinctive, and talented woman. Truly, she embodied and shared love through her work!” Harden concluded.

Robert De Niro

Keaton’s co-star in Marvin’s Room fondly remembered her as “brilliant, funny, and authentically herself.”

“A true legend, an icon, and a genuinely kind soul,” the actor articulated in his tribute. “I had the privilege of working with her when I was 18. She will surely be missed.”

Leonardo DiCaprio

DiCaprio, who co-starred with Keaton in 1996’s *Marvin’s Room*, expressed on Instagram Stories, “Diane Keaton was uniquely wonderful. Intelligent, comical, and unapologetically true to herself. A legend, an icon, and a genuinely kind person. I had the honor of collaborating with her at the young age of 18. She will truly be missed.”

Topher Grace

“Oh man, we are losing too many legends. I cherished working with Diane, who is one of the best to have ever graced the screen,” Grace expressed on Instagram, alongside a still from *The Big Wedding* in 2013.

George Newbern

Newbern, who portrayed Bryan MacKenzie in the Father of the Bride films, wrote a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating, “Diane Keaton shone brilliantly in every project. She was graceful, charming, witty, and undeniably hilarious,” he wrote. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent time with her throughout the *Father of the Bride* series. She had an enthralling way of making one feel seen. Her artistry was exceptional. Rest peacefully, sweet Diane 💔❤️💔❤️.”

Michael Douglas

Reflecting on his enduring relationship with Keaton, Michael Douglas noted, “RIP to my friend Diane Keaton. A heartbreaking departure of one of the quintessential icons in our industry,” he shared with a photograph from their past together. “I have an array of cherished memories of working alongside Diane in *And So It Goes* nearly a dozen years ago. My sincerest condolences to the Keaton family during this somber chapter.”

Emma Roberts

Roberts, who appeared alongside Keaton in 2023’s *Maybe I Do*, shared a photo tribute on her Instagram Stories, stating, “The absolute greatest. I feel so fortunate to have worked with her. Love you, Diane.”

AJ McLean

“I’m heartbroken over the loss of a legend who meant so much to many of us! One of my all-time favorite actresses, truly! She always felt like my movie mom growing up,” the Backstreet Boy noted on Instagram. “How blessed I was to share an unforgettable moment in New York with her a few years ago. She was everything I anticipated and more! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Taken too soon!”

Tracee Ellis Ross

“DIANE KEATON 🕊️ You were a marvelous gift; your joy, smile, delight, talent, and stylish flair,” Ross shared on Instagram, posting moments with the Family Stone star.

“You guided me through my second film at the age of 27, playing a small role as Meg Ryan’s quirky assistant. You encouraged me, repeating the phrase, ‘more behavior’! Your love for behavior made you a joy to work with,” she reminisced. “I’m sending heartfelt love to your family and all those who loved you as we navigate this unparalleled loss.”

Nina Dobrev

Dobrev shared a selfie taken with Keaton, writing simply, “She was the world’s best friend 💔♥️🕊️” through Instagram.

Rita Wilson

Wilson honored Keaton with a monochrome photo of her youth on Instagram, acknowledging, “@diane_keaton, you have been a remarkable gift.”