Kimberly Williams-Paisley Recalls Working with Diane Keaton: ‘I Heard Her Laughter Before Meeting Her’ (Exclusive)

Kimberly Williams-Paisley is mourning the loss of her costar — and on-screen mom — Diane Keaton.

Keaton died at age 79 in California on Saturday, Oct. 11. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Williams-Paisley, who played Keaton’s daughter in the Father of the Bride films, shared touching memories of the star — including her infectious laughter.

“It’s really one of the best memories I’ll ever have in my life, getting to work with Diane,” the 54-year-old actress says. “When I first auditioned for Father of the Bride, I was 19 years old, they flew me out to Los Angeles for a screen test, and I’d never done anything like that before. And they put me in hair and makeup and then sent me to the sound stage where I was going to read with Steve [Martin] and Diane.”

She says that walking from the bright California sun and into a dark theater for her screen test left her blinded.

“I couldn’t see a thing,” she recalls.

“And then I remember hearing Diane laugh, and of course I knew who she was. I was such a huge fan growing up. I’d seen Annie Hall, I’d seen The Godfather, I’d seen Baby Boom. And just the idea that I was going to be in her presence was — that’s what I was most nervous about, but it was just, wow, Diane Keaton. She’s just one of my idols,” Williams-Paisley continues.

She adds: “And then to hear her laughter before anything, before even meeting her, was just such a great omen. It was an auspicious beginning to a great relationship. I definitely shared so many laughs with her.”

Williams-Paisley says Keaton was not only generous with her laughter, she was also incredibly kind and gracious to those around her.

“She had such a great sense of humor, and was just full of laughter, and so generous with compliments,” she says. “I remember after we did Father of the Bride (3)ish, she asked for everyone’s phone number and then she called every single person that worked on it and just told them what a great job they did. She was just very giving like that.”

In 2020, Keaton told Vulture that the Father of the Bride films were some of her favorites among the many films she starred in.

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“Honestly, you can think it’s sappy, but I love the Father of the Bride movies. They were so touching,” said Keaton, who played Nina Banks, wife of Martin’s character, George Banks.

She added at the time, “I just rewatched them, and they were just as good.”

In an Instagram tribute to Keaton, Williams-Paisley shared photos of herself and the late actress sharing the screen as she reflected on her legacy.

“Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life,” she wrote. “You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter. 🙏🏻🕊️💔❤️❤️❤️.”