Woody Allen, the acclaimed US actor and filmmaker, has penned a heartfelt tribute to Diane Keaton, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 79.
In an article published by The Free Press, Allen lauded Keaton as “unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again,” emphasizing that “her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered.”
Through a deeply personal essay, Allen reminisced about their initial encounter in 1969 during rehearsals for his play, Play It Again, Sam, which preceded their collaboration on eight films, including Annie Hall, a role that earned Keaton the Best Actress Oscar in 1977.
“As time went on I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton,” Allen wrote.
“I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.”
In Annie Hall, Keaton embodied the film’s titular character—a quirky, insecure, and free-spirited woman who captures the heart of Allen’s character, Alvy Singer.
The two shared a romantic relationship in real life at one point.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Allen recalled thinking, “If Huckleberry Finn [Mark Twain’s iconic character] was a gorgeous young woman, he’d be Keaton.”
He further expressed that the world is now a “drearier” place in her absence.
“Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.”
Keaton’s filmography with Allen also includes prominent titles such as Manhattan, Sleeper, and Radio Days.
Keaton remained a steadfast supporter of Allen, who has faced controversy stemming from accusations of molesting his daughter Dylan, allegations he has consistently denied.
Notably, no charges were ever filed against the actor.
In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, she stated, “He gave me everything. He really did. Woody made it loose. That helped me enormously.”
Born in Los Angeles, Keaton rose to prominence with her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in the Godfather films, and subsequently appeared in popular movies such as Father of the Bride and The First Wives Club.
Francis Ford Coppola, the director of The Godfather, joined Allen in paying tribute to the “extraordinary” actress over the weekend.
In a statement shared on social media, Coppola expressed, “Words can’t express the wonder and talent of Diane Keaton. Endlessly intelligent, so beautiful.”
“From her earliest performances in Hair and throughout her amazing career, she was an extraordinary actor.”
He continued: “I saw her in the film Lovers and Other Strangers and knew I had to have her play Kay in The Godfather, (which she told me she based on my wife Ellie) and her wonderful work in Annie Hall, while simultaneously setting a new fashion trend.
“Everything about Diane was creativity personified.”
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First Wives Club co-star Goldie Hawn says Diane Keaton left “memories beyond imagination” following her death aged 79.
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