The news of actress Diane Keaton’s passing on Saturday, October 11, has brought many memories to the surface. A spokesperson confirmed her death to People magazine, stating Keaton was 79 and passed away in California. Fans are remembering her iconic movie roles and her unique choice to become a single mother later in life, in her fifties. People are also recalling her well-known romances with Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Woody Allen, who is 89.
Keaton and Allen’s story began in 1969. The actress auditioned for a part in Allen’s stage play, Play It Again, Sam. This meeting sparked a long professional partnership. They would eventually make eight films together.
Back in 1996, Keaton spoke about Allen to The New Yorker. She said he "always managed to conquer the girls, you know?" She added, "Girls have always liked him and fallen in love with him because he’s so funny and talented."
Keaton and Allen also had a romantic relationship. The New Yorker reported their romance lasted three years. However, a 2011 article in the Daily Mail suggested it was closer to five years. Even after their romantic split, they kept working together for decades.
A Working Pair: Eight Films Together
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen Pierre Venant/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
Their many films together include:
- *Annie Hall*
- The movie version of *Play It Again, Sam*
- *Sleeper*
- *Love and Death*
- *Interiors*
- *Manhattan*
- *Radio Days*
- *Manhattan Murder Mystery*
Allen even shared in his 2020 memoir, Apropos of Nothing, that he still asked Keaton for advice sometimes. He wrote, "I still consult her sometimes about casting or creative problems with which I may be struggling."
That “Annie Hall” Feeling
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
One of their most famous films, Annie Hall, earned Keaton an Oscar for Best Actress. However, Allen himself was not so sure about its success. Keaton told People in 2017 that Allen used their real-life relationship as inspiration for the movie. She shared that Allen thought, "It’s just another comedy." But Keaton knew the script was special. She added, "He’s hilarious, and I truly adored him."
A Loyal Friend
Keaton stood by Allen even when he faced serious accusations. In 2018, she used X, previously known as Twitter, to defend him against ongoing claims of sexual assault. She shared a clip from Allen’s 1992 60 Minutes interview. She wrote, "Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him." Keaton then invited people to watch the interview and "decide what you think."
The connections between Allen and the Keaton family extended further. Allen also dated Diane’s sisters, Robin and Dory Keaton. He mentioned this in his 2020 memoir. Allen wrote, "I dated her beautiful sister Robin and we had a brief romance." He continued, "Then I dated her other beautiful sister Dory and we had a small fling." He admired the family, noting, "The three Keaton sisters were beautiful and wonderful women. Good genes in that family." He told The New Yorker in 1996, "I became interested in [Diane] and her sisters and her mother as people."