Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 79

Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather series, and Father of the Bride, has died at 79, People Magazine reported, citing a family spokesperson. She passed away in California surrounded by loved ones.

Keaton's career spanned decades, marked by her quirky, vibrant style and depth as an actor. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Annie Hall and earned three additional nominations for Reds, Marvin's Room, and Something's Gotta Give. She became an icon of 1970s cinema, especially through her collaborations with Woody Allen, appearing in films such as Sleeper, Manhattan, and Interiors.

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she adopted her mother's maiden name, Keaton, when joining Actors' Equity. She trained under Sanford Meisner in New York and began her career on stage, including Broadway productions like Hair and Play It Again, Sam. Her early film roles included Lovers and Other Strangers before she rose to fame as Kay Adams in The Godfather and its sequels.

Keaton's signature style-exemplified by Annie Hall's bowler hats, neckties, and vests-made her a cultural icon. Her collaborations with Nancy Meyers in films like Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, and Something's Gotta Give introduced her to new generations, blending comedy with heartfelt performances.

Despite never marrying, she adopted two children in her 50s, balancing family life with a prolific career. Keaton also wrote several books, including memoirs Then Again and Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty, as well as design-focused works.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans worldwide. Leonardo DiCaprio called her "one of a kind," while Bette Midler praised her humour and authenticity. Keaton's enduring legacy lies in her ability to make films timeless, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and audiences alike.