Beloved Hollywood star and queer icon Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79. According to People, Keaton passed away in California, with a spokesperson for her family confirming the news but offering no further details. The family has requested privacy during this time. She is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke.
A Legendary Career
Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton began her ascent to stardom in the 1970s, famously appearing in all three instalments of The Godfather trilogy. She also became a cinematic muse to director Woody Allen, earning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the iconic 1977 film Annie Hall.
Her career was marked by longevity and critical acclaim. Keaton was nominated for three additional Oscars — for Reds (1981), Marvin’s Room (1996), and Something’s Gotta Give (2003). Impressively, each nomination came in a different decade, showcasing her adaptability, timeless charisma, and unmistakable talent.
A Queer Icon On and Off Screen
Keaton’s legacy extends far beyond traditional Hollywood acclaim. She was long celebrated in LGBTQ+ circles for her performances in emotionally resonant and female-led films.
Her role in Marvin’s Room, opposite Meryl Streep, and her appearance in Crimes of the Heart (1986) with Sissy Spacek and Jessica Lange resonated deeply with queer audiences. She also starred in the feminist-forward hit Baby Boom (1987), further solidifying her cultural impact.
More recently, Keaton played a central role in The First Wives Club (1996), The Family Stone (2005), and the 2018 hit Book Club, co-starring Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen. The success of Book Club led to the 2023 sequel Book Club: The Next Chapter.
One of her most praised moments came in The Family Stone, in which her character, Sybil Stone, offers a powerful declaration of love to her gay son:
“I love you, and you are more normal than any other asshole sitting at this table.”
Advocating for Queer Stories
Keaton also worked behind the scenes to champion LGBTQ+ representation. In 2013, she acquired the rights to adapt the BBC’s Last Tango in Halifax — a series that prominently featured lesbian relationships — for a US adaptation at HBO. While the project ultimately didn’t move forward, it reflected her commitment to bringing more inclusive storytelling to the screen.
Diane Keaton leaves behind a legacy of trailblazing roles, unforgettable wit, and an unwavering presence in both film and queer culture. Her contributions to cinema — and to the communities that embraced her — will be remembered for generations.
