Diane Keaton, the acclaimed actress best known for her role in Annie Hall, has passed away at the age of 79, as reported by People. According to a family spokesperson, further details will not be disclosed at this time. She leaves behind two children.
In a 1978 profile, The New Yorker remarked that Keaton was “one of the most comedically natural and intelligent actresses around.” That same year, she garnered an Oscar, as well as a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award, for her portrayal of the quirky protagonist in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. Just the year before, Time magazine had described her as “the most amusing woman currently working in films,” while Rolling Stone hailed her as “The Next Hepburn” on its cover.
Diane Keaton’s film career spanned iconic roles from The Godfather (1972) and Manhattan (1979) to Baby Boom (1987). She was also known for her distinctive fashion sense, often seen in bowler hats, bow ties, and berets. With her unique blend of belts and brogues, peplums and pearls, and whimsical heels paired with heavy white socks, the California-born actress introduced an androgynous style into popular culture. “Annie’s wardrobe reflected Diane’s eclectic taste,” Ralph Lauren commented to Vogue in 1978. Her outfits featured a mix of patterned ties and waistcoats, oversized jackets, and floppy men’s hats, contributing to a lasting fashion influence. Costume designer Ruth Morley once noted, “I hear from people that women in London and Paris are dressing like Annie Hall now… It’s astonishing, it has practically become a cultural phenomenon!”
Keaton accepted her Oscar in her quintessential style, wearing a taupe blazer adorned with a pink carnation, a flowing skirt, and chunky ankle boots. She received three additional Best Actress Oscar nominations for her roles in Reds (1981), Marvin’s Room (1996), and Something’s Gotta Give (2003), winning a Golden Globe for the latter. The New York Times praised her portrayal of the feminist character Louise Bryant in Reds as “nothing less than outstanding.”
A notable face for L’Oréal since 2006, Keaton charmed audiences in Father of the Bride (1991), its sequel Father of the Bride Part II (1995), and The First Wives Club (1996). She continued her successful career with roles in The Family Stone (2005), Hampstead (2017), and Book Club (2018), as well as voicing the character of Dory’s goldfish mother in Finding Dory (2016). In addition, she directed Unstrung Heroes (1995), Hanging Up (2000), which featured Lisa Kudrow and Meg Ryan, helmed an episode of Twin Peaks (1991), and worked on music videos, including Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 hit Heaven Is a Place on Earth.
