Diane Keaton wasn’t just a movie star—she was a force of personality who redefined what it meant to be effortlessly original in Hollywood. With her signature turtlenecks, quick wit, and undeniable charm, the Oscar-winning actress built a career that spanned more than five decades. From her early breakthrough in The Godfather to her iconic role in Annie Hall, Keaton brought intelligence, humor, and warmth to every performance. Following her death in October 2025 at age 79, fans and stars alike have been celebrating the life of a true icon.
Learn all about Keaton below.
She Won an Academy Award for Annie Hall
Keaton earned widespread acclaim—and her first Oscar—for her performance in Annie Hall (1977), directed by Woody Allen. Her quirky charm and effortless chemistry with Allen made the role unforgettable and turned her into a style icon overnight.
Keaton went on to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, with a career spanning more than five decades. She appeared in some of the most beloved films of all time, including The Godfather and Father of the Bride franchises, Reds, Baby Boom, The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, and Book Club. Over the years, she earned numerous honors, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
She Had a Long Creative History With Woody Allen
Keaton was perhaps best known for her long-running collaboration with director Allen. The pair worked together on several of his most acclaimed films, including Annie Hall, Manhattan, Play It Again, Sam, Sleeper, Love and Death, and Manhattan Murder Mystery. Their professional partnership helped define both of their careers.
The two also shared a brief romantic relationship in the 1970s. In a 1996 interview with The New Yorker, Keaton recalled being “crazy about him” when they first met, adding that “girls have always liked him and had crushes on him because he’s so funny and talented.”
Allen has since faced sexual abuse allegations from his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, who accused him of molesting her as a child—allegations he has repeatedly denied. The controversy resurfaced following the 2021 HBO documentary Allen v. Farrow. Despite public backlash, Keaton continued to stand by her longtime friend and collaborator, writing on social media in 2018, “Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him.” Her statement drew criticism from several figures in Hollywood, including director Judd Apatow, who condemned Allen and referenced past reports of inappropriate behavior.
She Was Also an Author, Photographer, and Real Estate Enthusiast
Outside of acting, Keaton published several books, including memoirs and photography collections that explored her love of architecture and design. She became known for restoring historic Los Angeles homes, blending her artistic eye with a sharp business sense.
She Never Married but Embraced Motherhood Later in Life
Keaton chose not to marry but found deep fulfillment in motherhood. She adopted her daughter, Dexter, in 1996 and her son, Duke, in 2001, becoming a mom in her 50s. In a 2019 interview with People, she reflected on her life as a single parent and why marriage was never the right fit for her. “I think that I’m strange,” she said with a laugh. “I’m 73, and I think I’m the only one in my generation — and maybe before — who has been a single woman all her life.” Keaton explained that she didn’t feel sad about her single status, adding, “I think that I needed more of a maternal aspect. I don’t think it would have been a good idea for me to have married, and I’m really glad I didn’t.”
She Loved Pop Music and Starred in a Justin Bieber Music Video
Keaton’s love for music was well known, and she wasn’t afraid to surprise fans with her taste. In 2021, at 75 years old, she starred in Justin Bieber’s emotional music video for his hit song “Ghost,” directed by Colin Tilley. The project quickly went viral, with fans praising her chemistry with the pop star and her moving performance as a woman mourning a loved one. Keaton gushed about the experience on Instagram at the time, writing, “AM I DREAMING??? WHAT AN HONOR IT WAS TO WORK WITH JUSTIN BIEBER AND HIS INCREDIBLE TEAM!!!”
While a collaboration with Bieber might feel like it came out of left field, it’s not too surprising, as the Oscar winner was a well-documented pop music fan. Keaton was a fan of, among others, Rihanna and Ariana Grande, the latter of which she has expressed a desire to sing a duet with. In an Instagram video shared on September 1, 2021 Keaton recorded herself singing along to “Thank U, Next.” She began with a narration, saying, “Ariana Grande is just amazing so once in my life, just once in my stupid life, I want to sing along with the amazing Ariana Grande.”
