Diane Keaton, a name synonymous with iconic roles, sadly passed away on Saturday, October 11, at the age of 79. While her acting prowess captured hearts for decades, many might not know she channeled her creative energy in other, less visible ways. Keaton wasn’t just a star in front of the camera; she also spent time behind it, directing music videos, films, and television shows.
One surprising entry on her directing resume is the 2021 music video for Justin Bieber’s hit song, “Ghost.” Keaton wasn’t just directing; she starred in it too. “Somehow, I was part of that song, and they asked me to sing it with them on the beach,” Keaton shared in a video from Access Hollywood, posted on Instagram after her passing. She fondly remembered the experience, saying, “And it was amazing, it was great. And he was a gentleman. He’s a great guy and so talented, and I love that song.” Interestingly, three years later, Keaton ventured into music herself, releasing a Christmas single called ‘First Christmas’.
Beyond music videos, Keaton also made her mark in television directing. She guided an episode of the mystery drama ‘Twin Peaks’ in 1991. Before that, in 1990, she directed an episode of the acclaimed series ‘China Beach.’
Keaton didn’t often discuss her directing journey, but she opened up about it in an April 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She admitted directing was tougher than she thought it would be. “I thought I could do it, but the truth is, it was hard,” she explained. “I don’t mean that [people] were hard or anyone, it was me. Sometimes it was a little easier, and other times you got anxious.” She noted that directing demanded intense focus and intelligence to deeply understand the assigned subject. She felt she understood this better as an actor, connecting with a character’s role.
Diane Keaton Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic
Keaton also helmed two popular music videos for Belinda Carlisle: ‘Heaven Is a Place on Earth’ and ‘I Get Weak.’ The latter was Carlisle’s second release after the success of ‘Heaven Is a Place on Earth’ and soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1988. Carlisle, then 44, shared her sorrow on Instagram after hearing of Keaton’s passing. “I can’t 💔💔💔. She was an incredible talent and a pivotal part of my career,” Carlisle wrote. “She directed two of my videos: Heaven Is a Place on Earth and I Get Weak. She was kind and eccentric, and I was lucky to know her. It’s a huge loss… 💔💔💔 Rest in peace, Diane, you will be missed…” vía Instagram
The legendary actress also directed a young Reese Witherspoon in the 1991 TV movie ‘Wildflower.’ Witherspoon, then 15, played Ellie, the sister of Sammy Perkins (William McNamara) and daughter of Alice (Patricia Arquette). Witherspoon, now 49, reminisced about her audition with Keaton to a crowd after the news of Keaton’s death broke.
“Tears are coming to my eyes, but I don’t know if you guys knew that Diane Keaton passed away today,” Witherspoon began in a video shared on Instagram. “Diane was very important. She was one of my first mentors in this business. I was 15 years old, I was from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anyone.” Witherspoon remembered arriving for what was her second or third film audition with a strong Southern accent. Keaton immediately asked, “Who are you?” Witherspoon replied, “I’m Reese Witherspoon, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee.” Keaton then probed, “Are you making that up? That accent you have?” Witherspoon confidently stated, “No, ma’am, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee. And I’m here and I’d love to be in your movie.” Keaton’s response was legendary: “Well, you’re hired today, tomorrow, and the next day. I don’t know who you are, but I’m very excited to have you.”
Witherspoon called the late actress “just incredible and indelible,” adding that Keaton was “truly” an “original person.” She urged fans to “watch one of her movies and put on a great, interesting, black and white outfit, take a good picture, and just live your dream, be your unique and interesting self.” Witherspoon believed Keaton “would be very happy” with such a tribute.