Diane Keaton’s health reportedly took a sharp turn in recent months, and even her closest friends were unaware.
A family spokesperson confirmed to People on Saturday that the Oscar-winning actress had passed away in California.
Her loved ones have requested privacy as they mourn her loss, and no further details have been released.
‘She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,’ a friend told People. ‘It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.’
The source added, ‘In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private.
‘Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.’
Diane Keaton’s health reportedly took a sharp turn in recent months, and even her closest friends were unaware; (seen in August 2024)
‘She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,’ a friend told People, adding ‘It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit’
The source added, ‘In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.’ (Diane and her buddy Jack Nicholson in 2003)
In a surprising move, Keaton put her cherished ‘dream home’ on the market in March, per the source, despite earlier saying she intended to stay there for the long term.y.
As news of her death spread, Hollywood stars paid tribute.
The First Wives Club co-star Bette Midler led the pack, writing on social media, ‘I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!’
Known for her quirky charm, wit, and timeless style, Keaton built a career spanning more than five decades — from her early breakthrough in The Godfather trilogy to her Oscar-winning turn in Annie Hall.
She became a defining face of 1970s cinema and later cemented her legacy with hits like Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give.
In recent years, she delighted audiences again with the Book Club films, proving her enduring appeal across generations.
Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, Keaton grew up with a creative streak that would shape one of the most distinctive careers in Hollywood.
After high school, she studied acting at Santa Ana College before heading to New York City to train at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse.
Her loved ones have requested privacy as they mourn her loss, with no further details being released at this time; (seen in 2007)
Keaton made her Broadway debut in 1968 as part of the original cast of Hair.
She spent nine months in the show but refused to disrobe during performances.
She then auditioned for Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam, showcasing the charm and timing that would become her trademark.
Her performance earned her a Tony nomination, marking an early milestone in a career that would soon make her a Hollywood icon
Just two years later, she landed her first film role in Lovers and Other Strangers, but her breakout came in 1972 with The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino.
Her breakout came in 1972 with The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino
Her next milestone came with 1977’s Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and redefined her as both a comedic and romantic leading lady
Keaton starred in The Family Stone
Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Keaton built an unmatched résumé with standout roles in films like Reds, Baby Boom, and Father of the Bride (pictured)
The role made her a household name and solidified her place in one of cinema’s most celebrated franchises.
Her next milestone came with 1977’s Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and redefined her as both a comedic and romantic leading lady.
‘Of course my favorite is the obvious one,’ she once told People of the film. ‘Woody didn’t know if it would work. He didn’t trust it — he’d say, “It’s just another sitcom.”’
Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Keaton built an unmatched résumé with standout roles in films like Reds, Baby Boom, and Father of the Bride.
Her performance in Baby Boom — as a career woman suddenly thrust into motherhood — became one of her most beloved roles.
‘If I was the mother, I wouldn’t have been happy about the way I tossed those babies around!’ she once joked.
Keaton also made her mark on television, notably starring alongside Jude Law in the acclaimed 2016 miniseries The Young Pope.
A year later, her decades-long contribution to film was recognized when she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Film Institute’s gala.
Diane was renowned for her quirky fashion sense; (seen in 2023)
Diane with her ex Warren Beatty in 1979
In August 2022, the Hollywood icon was further celebrated with a Hand and Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
It was a moment that brought together her family, including her two children and sister Dorrie Hall, to honor her legacy.
Reflecting on the milestone, Keaton said, ‘It was just one of those things in your life where you don’t expect it and then suddenly it comes your way. And then it’s like, wow. I was thrilled, of course. And I still am.’
Keaton remained a force in Hollywood well into the 2000s, teaming up again with director Nancy Meyers for Something’s Gotta Give, starring opposite Jack Nicholson in one of her most acclaimed later performances.
Diane adopted two children — daughter Dexter and son Duke — in her 50s; (Dexter Keaton, Diane, and Duke Keaton in 2022)
Away from the screen, Keaton led a fiercely independent life.
She adopted two children — daughter Dexter and son Duke — in her 50s and remained proudly unmarried, despite past relationships with major Hollywood names including Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson.
‘I think I’m the only one in my generation and maybe before who has been a single woman all her life,’ she once said.
‘I don’t think it would have been a good idea for me to have married, and I’m really glad I didn’t.’