Patricia Arquette Recalls Diane Keaton Directing Her: ‘So Generous’

Patricia Arquette recently reminisced about her experiences with the beloved Diane Keaton, who sadly passed away.

“Her presence was so vibrant, full of life, and incredibly generous,” the Severance actress shared with People on Monday, October 13.

Keaton directed Arquette, 57, in a 1991 television film, Wildflower, featuring Beau Bridges and Reese Witherspoon, which was broadcast on Lifetime. Additionally, she directed Arquette in a 1990 installment of CBS Schoolbreak Special entitled “The Girl With the Crazy Brother,” according to People.

“Her energy was so effervescent and genuine,” Arquette added about the fellow Oscar-winning actress, who passed away at 79 on October 11, highlighting that Keaton “had no pretenses” and possessed “an extraordinary vision for beauty, design, photography, and art.”

The actress from Boyhood emphasized Keaton’s extensive body of work, including her iconic performance in Annie Hall.

“She was such a phenomenal actress. If you take a look at Reds or Looking for Mr. Goodbar, you can’t help but appreciate her talent,” Arquette commented. “All the comedies, obviously Annie Hall and The Godfather, her acting is simply outstanding.”

She even confessed, “I would skip school just to watch Reds.”

On the same day, Keaton’s Something’s Gotta Give co-star Keanu Reeves and director Nancy Meyers paid tribute to her memory just two days after her passing.

“She was always incredibly kind to me. An artist full of generosity and a truly exceptional person,” Reeves, 61, remarked to E! News.

Director Meyers, 75, also took to Instagram to share an heartfelt tribute to her longtime friend.

“The last two days have been a challenge,” the director expressed. “Reading your messages about Diane has been a great comfort. As a movie devotee, I join you all—this is a significant loss. A brilliant actress who consistently opened herself up to narrate our stories. As a woman, I mourn the loss of a friend of nearly 40 years—at different times over those years, she felt like a sister, as we shared countless unforgettable experiences.”

“As a filmmaker, I’ve lost a rare bond with an actress that one can only dream of,” she continued. “We all long for that perfect connection, right? In Diane, I found someone who truly understood me, enhancing my writing because I felt so safe in her presence. I witnessed her vulnerability and her unique sense of humor, which she seamlessly brought to the script, delivering it as if it were improvised while simultaneously being entertaining just by entering a room or sharing a meal.”

Both Arquette and Meyers acknowledged Keaton’s performances in Annie Hall (1979), for which she secured the Oscar for Best Actress, and Reds (1981), directed by Warren Beatty.

“Diane brought depth to every role, as that is her essence. Those who have collaborated with her would attest… she enriched everything she touched. Each setup, day in and day out, was met with her total dedication,” Meyers stated.

“She was unafraid, one-of-a-kind; destined to be a movie star. Her laugh could brighten your day and for me, knowing and working with her transformed my life. Thank you, Diane. Your absence will be deeply felt,” the director concluded her touching tribute.