Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79, her family and multiple news outlets reported Saturday. The veteran performer, celebrated for her collaborations with Woody Allen and for a five-decade film career that ranged from gritty drama to romantic comedy, died in California, a family spokesperson told People and was confirmed to news partners by her daughter.
Keaton — born Diane Hall in 1946 — rose to fame in the 1970s with defining roles in The Godfather (1972) and Annie Hall (1977). She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Annie Hall, a role that cemented her offbeat screen persona and enduring influence on American film and fashion. Over the decades she amassed a broad résumé that included Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give, as well as television and occasional directing work.
News organizations reporting on Keaton’s death said she passed away with loved ones near her side; no immediate cause of death was released. Representatives for Keaton were not immediately available for comment to some outlets, which have asked for privacy while the family makes arrangements.
Tributes flooded social media and the entertainment world within hours of the news. Colleagues and admirers described Keaton as a “national treasure,” praising her comic timing, emotional range and singular personal style. Public figures who worked with or admired her highlighted how her performances helped reshape depictions of independent, complex women on screen. Coverage of the reaction and remembrance has appeared across major outlets.
Keaton received numerous honors during her long career, including the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017, and left a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and idiosyncratic talents. Further details about memorial services and the family’s requests for public condolences were not yet available; outlets covering the story said they would update as the family and official representatives release more information.