Remembering the Iconic and Unconventional Diane Keaton
The film industry has lost a true gem. The unique and beloved actress, Diane Keaton, known for her unconventional style and endearing on-screen characters, has passed away at the age of 79.
A Life Like No Other
Born as Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton was the daughter of a real estate broker and civil engineer, Jack Hall, and a former Mrs. Los Angeles, Dorothy Hall. Her unique style, often featuring a bowler hat, tinted glasses, and oversized clothes, was a reflection of her distinct personality. She once quipped about her attire, "There's a lot to hide in my case, so I'm the only remaining person on Earth with this particular look."
An Influential Career
Keaton was a true trailblazer, inspiring many women with her unorthodox lifestyle. She played various delightful, unique, and sometimes offbeat characters onscreen. Her journey in the film industry began in New York, where she pursued her dreams of becoming a singer and performer. After studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse in the 1960s, she got her break as an understudy in the original Broadway production of the rock musical Hair. However, Keaton never truly identified with the hippie culture and even declined to appear nude for the final scene of the musical.
Her career took a turn when she entered into a romantic relationship with Woody Allen. Allen cast her in his play, and later in his movie, Play It Again, Sam. She also appeared in several of his film comedies, including Sleeper, Love and Death, Manhattan, and the critically acclaimed Annie Hall. Her portrayal of the quirky and charming Annie Hall earned her an Academy Award for best actress in 1978. Despite the controversy surrounding Allen over allegations of child molestation, which he denies, Keaton remained a loyal friend and supporter.
A Versatile Performer
Not just limited to comedy roles, Keaton showed her prowess in dramatic roles too. Her most prominent dramatic role was in The Godfather trilogy, where she played a character who marries into the notorious Corleone mafia family. Aside from her professional relationship, she had a personal connection with her Godfather co-star, Al Pacino.
Another notable relationship in her life was with Warren Beatty, who directed her in his 1981 film, Reds. In the film, Keaton played the role of activist Louise Bryant, the love interest of journalist John Reed (played by Beatty). Keaton admired her character's struggle for greatness and her resilience in the face of failure.
Keaton also teamed up with Jack Nicholson in 2003 for the comedy Something's Gotta Give, where she played opposite Keanu Reeves. Despite never marrying, Keaton was one of the few older American actresses who continued to play leading romantic roles.
A Legacy of Beauty and Strength
Keaton's lifelong friend, actress Carol Kane, celebrated her perseverance. "She just gets more and more beautiful because she's more and more herself," Kane noted. Keaton's other notable films include Looking For Mr. Goodbar, The First Wives Club, and Baby Boom. She also directed the documentary Heaven in 1987 and wrote books about her life, architecture, photography, and beauty.
As a single mother, she raised two children, adopting her daughter, Dexter, at 50, and her son, Duke, five years later. "It's an unconventional life, it's true," Keaton once said. "But I don't really see it that way, because I just think everybody has a pretty– is there a life that doesn't have a story that isn't pretty astonishing?"
Indeed, Keaton's life was nothing short of astonishing. While she considered herself a late bloomer, her fans would argue that her life was cut short too soon. Her unique spirit and enduring legacy will be remembered by all who knew her and enjoyed her work.