Sarah Paulson and Diane Keaton’s Decades-Long Friendship Remembered

Sarah Paulson and Diane Keaton shared a remarkable friendship that spanned many years.

Following the announcement of the Annie Hall actress’s passing at the age of 79 in October 2025, Paulson was seen emotionally outside Keaton’s residence. According to Page Six, their friendship lasted “for years.”

The two appeared together in the 1999 film The Other Sister, where Keaton portrayed Elizabeth Tate, the mother of Paulson’s character, Heather Tate, and sister to Juliette Lewis’s Carla Tate. Their bond reportedly took root around this time.

During an interview with Variety on the red carpet prior to the Wicked premiere in November 2024, Paulson referred to Keaton as “the most generous, playful, fun, and vibrant performer.” For more insights, continue reading about their friendship.

Reflections of Friendship

In September 2025, Paulson shared heartfelt memories of her friendship with Keaton during an interview with InStyle at the Through Her Lens Luncheon. “She portrayed my mother in a significant studio film, and the entire experience was exhilarating. Her generous, playful nature really impacted me; she demonstrated how crucial timing is in acting,” she reflected in a TikTok video.

Remembering their bond, Paulson added, “I felt terrified, but she embraced me with warmth; our friendship has flourished ever since. She is not just a filmmaker and a fashion icon, but a true visionaire, making me feel fortunate to call her my friend.”

Paulson also commended Keaton for her mentorship, emphasizing the importance of supporting the new generation of filmmakers. “I strive to attend events like this to share my experiences and insights with emerging creators,” she said.

Dining Post-Pandemic

Paulson disclosed on Jimmy Kimmel Live in June 2021 that her first social dinner after the height of the Covid-19 pandemic was with Keaton.

She explained that her long-time friend had begun dining outdoors following a lengthy period of isolation. “She was excited to go out, saying, ‘I’ve been dining outside, I’m vaccinated; let’s do it!’ I joined her for my first dinner in 17 months,” Paulson recounted.

Paulson humorously noted that Keaton preferred “Lillet wine with ice” and joked that her friend enjoyed pasta more than any meat or fish dish.

Sharing Videos

The two stars, like many friends, exchanged amusing videos on social platforms, a gesture Keaton noted in May 2020 on Facebook. “SARAH PAULSON SENT THIS TO ME THIS MORNING! THIS LITTLE BOY MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO MONTHS!!!” she shared, sharing a clip of a young boy discussing Covid-19 treatments.

Shared Experiences During ‘Wicked’

At the red carpet for the film adaptation of Wicked in November 2024, Paulson shared that she and Keaton attended the live stage version of the beloved musical together. “We went as friends, and we cried like little children,” Paulson recounted to Variety.

Diane Keaton’s Sentiment

During a Q&A for Interview Magazine in 2021, Keaton answered questions from 25 peers. When Paulson asked, “If your house was burning and you could only save one item, what would it be?” Keaton replied that she would grab her dog.

In response to Paulson’s next question, “What person, place, or thing makes your heart sing?” she cheekily suggested Keaton could answer with her name. Keaton sweetly replied, “Of course, Sarah, you make my heart sing; my friends, my children, and also Lillet Blanc with ice – that definitely makes my heart sing!”

Paulson’s Attendance at a Family Wedding

During the pandemic era, Paulson made another significant outing by attending the wedding of Keaton’s daughter, Dexter Keaton, in June 2021. Paulson humorously commented that the wedding was “larger than I would have desired,” acknowledging the ongoing pandemic challenges.