Hollywood is still mourning the loss of Diane Keaton. The beloved star, known for films like Annie Hall, passed away in October 2025 at 79 years old. Her longtime friend, actress Sarah Paulson, was seen outside Keaton’s home, visibly distraught. This sad moment highlighted the deep bond they shared for decades. Page Six noted that their friendship stretched back "for years," a connection many admired.
A Friendship Forged on Set
Their special bond began back in 1999. They worked together on the film The Other Sister. Keaton played Elizabeth Tate, the mother. Paulson played Heather Tate, one of her daughters. Juliette Lewis was also in the film as Carla Tate, another daughter. It’s believed their close friendship sparked during this movie project. Paulson was a newer face in Hollywood then. Keaton, already a legend, seemed to take her under her wing.
Paulson’s Deep Admiration and Lessons Learned
Paulson often spoke of Keaton with immense respect and love. At the Wicked movie premiere in November 2024, Paulson called Keaton "the most generous, playful, funny, full-of-life performer." She shared more about this admiration in a September 2025 InStyle interview during the Through Her Lens lunch. Paulson recalled how Keaton played her mother in her very first studio movie. "It was a really exciting experience," Paulson explained in a video shared through TikTok. Keaton "really taught me the power of timing in a scene." Paulson admitted she was very scared during that time. Keaton "really took me under her wing," and they had been very good friends ever since. Paulson also praised Keaton as a filmmaker and a true fashion icon. "She’s a true iconoclast," Paulson added. She felt incredibly lucky to call Keaton a "dear friend." Paulson also felt it was important to guide younger filmmakers. She wanted to offer what she had learned and absorbed from her own career.
Sharing Life’s Moments: From COVID Dinners to Crying at “Wicked”
Their friendship wasn’t just about work; it was personal and filled with shared experiences. In June 2021, Paulson told Jimmy Kimmel Live about her first dinner out after the main part of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was with Keaton. Paulson had stayed home for 17 months. Keaton, already vaccinated, had been enjoying outdoor dining. "She said, ‘I’ve been going, I’ve been sitting outside. I’m vaccinated, we can do it,’" Paulson recalled. She joined Keaton for her first dinner outside her house. Paulson also joked about Keaton’s unique taste. Keaton liked to drink Lillet wine with plenty of ice. "She prefers that over the other stuff [at dinner]," Paulson teased. "Let’s just say that. No, she likes a lot of pasta. She doesn’t need meat or fish."
They kept up with each other online, too, sharing funny moments. Keaton revealed via Facebook in May 2020 that Paulson had sent her a video. It showed a child discussing possible COVID-19 treatments. Keaton wrote, "SARAH PAULSON SENT ME THIS THIS MORNING! THIS KID MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO MONTHS!" Their bond also included shared emotional moments. Paulson revealed that she and Keaton watched the stage version of the beloved musical Wicked together. "We went as friends to see it, and we cried like babies," Paulson told Variety in November 2024.
Keaton’s Heartfelt Words
Sarah Paulson and Diane Keaton John Shearer/WireImage
Keaton herself confirmed the depth of their bond. In a 2021 Interview Magazine Q&A, Keaton was interviewed by 25 of her friends and colleagues. Paulson was the first to ask a question. She asked, "If your house caught fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?" Keaton replied, "My dog." Paulson then followed up with, "What person, place, or thing makes your heart sing? (You can say it’s me)." Keaton, with her signature wit, agreed. "Of course, Sarah, you make my heart sing," she responded. "My friends make my heart sing. My children make my heart sing. But Lillet Blanc also makes my heart sing. With lots of ice." This gives a fun, honest glimpse into their special connection.
A Bond Beyond the Spotlight
Sarah Paulson and Diane Keaton Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Hammer Museum
Paulson’s dedication to Keaton even extended to family events. She pushed past her post-pandemic caution for Keaton’s daughter, Dexter. Paulson attended Dexter Keaton’s wedding in June 2021. She did admit it was "bigger than I would have liked" during that time, referring to the ongoing pandemic. Still, her presence spoke volumes about their lasting friendship. The bond between Sarah Paulson and Diane Keaton was truly special. It left a lasting mark on both their lives and on Hollywood.