Director Woody Allen has penned an emotional tribute to longtime friend, collaborator, and former romantic partner Diane Keaton, who passed away on October 11 at the age of 79. In a deeply personal essay published in The Free Press, Allen reflected on Keaton’s extraordinary presence, their decades-long artistic relationship, and the impact she had on his life.
“Unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again,” Allen wrote, “her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered.” The two first met in 1969 during auditions for Play It Again, Sam. Allen recalled how Keaton’s charm and talent immediately captivated him. Their personal relationship soon followed, though it was short-lived. Despite their romantic split, they maintained a close friendship and creative bond.
Keaton starred in eight of Allen’s films, including Annie Hall (1977), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and became a landmark film in both of their careers. Allen revealed he often viewed Keaton as his most trusted critic: “I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.”
In his tribute, Allen detailed Keaton’s many talents beyond acting — praising her work in photography, writing, interior design, and directing. He also acknowledged her eccentric yet iconic fashion sense, which he described as “a sight to behold,” noting her unconventional style choices always seemed to work.
Allen recounted their shared memories, from Knicks games to late-night meals, and shared a lighthearted anecdote about her eating habits, which later turned out to be related to an eating disorder she openly addressed in her memoir. Despite her sophisticated public image, Allen affectionately remembered Keaton as “a hick, a rube, a hayseed,” with a unique way of speaking and viewing the world.
“She was so charming, so beautiful, so magical, that I questioned my sanity,” Allen wrote. He concluded his tribute by mourning her absence, stating, “A few days ago the world was a place that included Diane Keaton. Now it’s a world that does not. Hence, it’s a drearier world.”
Keaton is survived by her two adopted children, Dexter and Duke. The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ