Reese Witherspoon Honors Diane Keaton With Emotional Words Following Her Death
on Oct 14, 2025
Actress Diane Keaton Dies At 79
Diane Keaton, the beloved actress known for iconic roles in Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, and The First Wives Club, died on Saturday (October 11) at the age of 79.
A spokesperson for her family confirmed the news to PEOPLE, though no additional details surrounding her death have been released. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
A close friend of the actress shared some insight into her final months, telling the outlet that her health “declined rapidly” in recent months.
“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,” the colleague shared.
Reese Witherspoon Gets Emotional Over The News Of Her Mentor’s Passing
While speaking at a Hello Sunshine: Shine Away event in Los Angeles over the weekend, actress Reese Witherspoon got emotional sharing the news of Keaton’s death with the audience.
“I don’t know if you guys heard that Diane Keaton passed today,” Witherspoon said, holding back tears.
The Legally Blonde actress shared that Keaton was one of her very first mentors in the entertainment industry. At just 15-years-old, Witherspoon shared that Keaton was incredibly warm and welcoming towards her when she auditioned for her early movie roles.
“She is just incredible, and indelible, and just truly an original person,” Witherspoon shared, remembering the 79-year-old.
Keaton was born in Los Angeles in 1946 and began performing in high school singing and acting clubs. After graduation, she pursued a career in entertainment with a nightclub singing act, formal acting training, and eventually landed a role as an understudy in Broadway’s Hair.
Her breakout came quickly. She earned a Tony nomination for her first Broadway lead in Play It Again, Sam, followed by her film debut in Lovers and Other Strangers. In 1972, she rose to fame with her iconic role in The Godfather.
Keaton went on to star in numerous films, particularly dramas and mysteries directed by Woody Allen. In 1977, she won her first and only Academy Award for her unforgettable performance in Annie Hall.
