Los Angeles, Oct. 12 (Global Arts Desk) —
Hollywood is reeling today after the confirmed passing of Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose quirky charm and fearless range made her one of the most enduring icons of her generation. She died on October 11 in California, aged 79, her family announced. Reuters+2People.com+2
A Life in Cinema: From Annie Hall to First Wives Club
Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, she adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, before rising in the acting world. AP News+2Wikipedia+2 After early theater and television work, she broke out in the 1970s through collaborations with Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola—most memorably in Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The Wall Street Journal+3Reuters+3People.com+3
Her filmography spanned more than five decades and include roles in The Godfather trilogy, Father of the Bride, Baby Boom, The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, Book Club, and The Young Pope. Vanity Fair+4People.com+4Reuters+4 In her later years, she also explored directing, writing, and architectural preservation. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Reuters+3
Confirmed Facts vs. Ongoing Questions
A family spokesperson confirmed that Diane Keaton “passed away” on October 11, but offered “no further details.” People.com+3AP News+3People.com+3 Representatives have not yet disclosed a cause of death. AP News+2People.com+2
Some grey areas remain: there is no immediate public record of any illness or hospitalization prior to her death, and Keaton was long known to keep her private life fiercely guarded. People.com+2Reuters+2
Voices of Mourning
Tributes poured in rapidly from peers and fans alike. Actress Bette Midler, a co-star in The First Wives Club, wrote:
“She was hilarious, a complete original … without guile.” AP News+2People.com+2
Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who played her daughter in Father of the Bride, shared a personal memory:
“She had such kindness and laughter on set — she lifted every room.” People.com
Other stars including Goldie Hawn, Octavia Spencer, Steve Martin, and more offered emotional farewells, describing her as playful, daring, witty, and deeply loved. People.com+3People.com+3Reuters+3
Legacy and Influence
Keaton’s impact extended beyond her many awards and nominations. Her signature style—mixing masculine and feminine fashions—helped redefine modern sartorial norms. Reuters+3Vanity Fair+3Vanity Fair+3 She was also passionate about design and historic preservation, investing in architectural projects and restoration efforts. Wikipedia+2The Wall Street Journal+2
Her openness about personal struggles—including a long battle with bulimia, which she addressed candidly in her memoirs—resonated with many admirers. The Wall Street Journal+3People.com+3Reuters+3
What Comes Next
In the hours and days ahead, the family may issue a more detailed statement including funeral or memorial arrangements. A public tribute is expected from Hollywood peers and institutions.
Scholars and fans alike may revisit her expansive body of work, from comedic turns to soaring dramatic performances, in renewed appreciation of her singular voice and aesthetic.
In the absence of confirmed details about her final hours, speculation will swirl—but for now, the world mourns a star whose light shone brightly on screen, style, and spirit.
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