Hollywood and fans around the world are mourning the loss of Diane Keaton, who passed away, age 79. Since news of her death broke, tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and admirers, celebrating not only her iconic roles in films such as Annie Hall and The First Wives Club, but also her influence as a trailblazer and role model both on and off screen.
Her longtime friend and also her co-star in The First Wives Club, Goldie Hawn, was one of the first to pay tribute to the star with a heartfelt post on her Instagram.
She wrote: “Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you. You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination. How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to “shut up” honey. There was, and will be, no one like you.”
“You stole the hearts of the world and shared your genius with millions, making films that made us laugh and cry in ways only you could. I was blessed to make First Wives Club with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love. We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends. Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”
Another tribute from the cast of The First Wives Club came from co-star Bette Midler. On Instagram, Bette described Diane as “Brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary.” Bette continued, “She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”
Diane’s most recent film franchise was Book Club, where she starred alongside Jane Fonda. Jane also paid tribute to Diane, writing on Instagram that “It’s hard to believe…or accept…that Diane has passed.”
She continued: “She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative…in her acting, her wardrobe, her books, her friends, her homes, her library, her worldview. Unique is what she was. And, though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man, she was a fine actress!”
Her Godfather co-star, Robert De Niro, released a statement to ABC News (US Edition): “I am very sad to hear of Diane’s passing… I was very fond of her, and the news of her leaving us has taken me totally by surprise. I was not expecting her to leave us. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.”
Viola Davis shared a video tribute to Diane Keaton on her Instagram. She captioned it: “You defined womanhood. The pathos, humor, levity, your ever-present youthfulness and vulnerability — you tattooed your SOUL into every role, making it impossible to imagine anyone else inhabiting them. You were undeniably, unapologetically YOU!!! Loved you. Man… rest well. God bless your family, and I know angels are flying you home.”
Actress Elizabeth Banks also shared a photo of herself with Selma Blair, Sarah Paulson, and Diane Keaton at an event and paid tribute to her influence on the industry.
She wrote: ” She was beloved in her industry. Every one of us idolises her. Her influence on culture, fashion, art and women can’t be overstated. She was a delight. I am proud I have a career that allowed me to meet her and breathe her air.
Her on-screen daughter in the iconic film franchise Father of the Bride, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, shared some stills of the film alongside a touching tribute:
“Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”
Star of Sex And The City and And Just Like That and co-star of The Family Stone (and The First Wives Club), Sarah Jessica Parker also paid tribute to Diane Keaton following her death.
“Diane Keaton has been a point of inspiration for countless actresses. I include myself among those who loved and admired her,” she wrote on Instagram.
Her post continued, “I was very privileged to witness her singular skill and talent on both First Wives Club and The Family Stone. I will cherish those memories on set as well her touching, delightful and perfectly own cinematic career. Which is a gorgeous legacy of an exquisite person. She will be terribly missed. RIP and Godspeed you glorious creature.”
Reese Witherspoon broke the news to the crowd at an event for her production company, Hello Sunshine. In her speech, she shared that she first met Diane when she was 15 and was auditioning for Wildflower, which ended up being one of her first in Hollywood. Diane hired her on the spot.
“Diane was really important. She was one of my first mentors in this business,” Reese shared through tears. Her southern accent was so good that Diane hired her instantly. Reese recalled, “She was like, ‘You’re hired today, tomorrow, and the next day. I don’t know who you are, but I am so excited to have you.”
Reese was one of those who also paid tribute to Diane when she was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the American Film Institute’s 45th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to Diane Keaton.
Suits star, Gabriel Macht, shared that he was “honoured to have shared the screen with one of the most spontaneous and generous scene partners.” The two co-starred in the 2007 film, Because I Said So.
Diane’s co-star on And So It Goes, Michael Douglas, also paid tribute, writing on Instagram:
“RIP to my friend Diane Keaton. A heartbreaking loss of one of the greatest icons in our industry. I have so many fond memories of working with Diane on our film And So It Goes nearly twelve years ago. Sending my deepest condolences to the Keaton family during this difficult time.”
