US actress Diane Keaton dies at 79

The world of cinema mourns the loss of an icon today, as beloved American actress Diane Keaton passed away at the age of 79 on Saturday, October 11, as confirmed by a family spokesperson to People magazine.

Keaton, renowned for her unique charm and distinctive style, famously captured hearts and an Academy Award for her role as Woody Allen’s eccentric and endearing girlfriend in the 1977 romantic comedy, *Annie Hall*. Her quirky sensibility, often seen sporting menswear-inspired looks, turtleneck sweaters, and her signature hats, set her apart in Hollywood.

Her illustrious career spanned over six decades and more than 60 films, showcasing her versatility in classics like *The Godfather* trilogy, *The First Wives Club*, and several other collaborations with Woody Allen. Beyond *Annie Hall*, Keaton earned further Oscar nominations for her compelling performances in the political drama *Reds* (1981), the moving family saga *Marvin’s Room* (1996), and the delightful romantic comedy *Something’s Gotta Give* (2003).

The character of Annie Hall, loosely based on Keaton’s own relationship with Allen, became her defining role. She once described it as "an idealized version of me." Her profound impact was evident early on, with Time magazine featuring her on its cover in 1977, and Rolling Stone dubbing her "the next (Katherine) Hepburn." Woody Allen himself, decades later, recognized her as a "great, great inspiration" to his life and accomplishments.

Beyond acting, Keaton was a multi-talented force, trying her hand at directing, writing, producing, and photography. She also harbored a passion for restoring historic California mansions and shared her life’s journey in two memoirs, *Then Again* (2011) and *Let’s Just Say it Wasn’t Pretty* (2014). Her high-profile romances with leading men like Allen, Warren Beatty, and Al Pacino were as well-known as her films, with Keaton humorously noting, "Each man had a different decade."

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on January 5, 1946, she adopted her mother's maiden name to avoid confusion with another actress. After studying in New York, she landed a role in the original Broadway musical *Hair* in 1968. It was an audition for Allen's stage production of *Play It Again, Sam* that proved pivotal, igniting a romance that evolved into an enduring friendship and professional partnership.

Her influence on *Annie Hall* was so significant that the film immortalized her characteristic "la-dee-da, la-dee-da, la-la" phrase. Despite controversies surrounding Allen years later, Keaton remained a loyal friend, stating, "I still love him – there are some people who stay in your life and it matters and they are in for the long haul."

Francis Ford Coppola, captivated by her unique demeanor, cast her as Kay Adams in *The Godfather*, a major role in the Oscar-winning film. As her career matured, she transitioned from ingenue to portray strong, complex women and mothers, notably collaborating with director Nancy Myers on films like *Baby Boom* and *Father of the Bride*. Her talents also extended to television, earning an Emmy nomination for *Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight* and directing music videos.

Though she never married, Keaton openly discussed her apprehension towards marriage, saying she was "afraid of men" and drawn to "dazzling" but perhaps unsuitable partners. However, adopting her two children, Dexter and Duke, in her 50s, brought her a profound sense of purpose. "This changes the whole landscape of your life," she shared, "Your whole point of view in a good way... I just think they are both miracles."