The cause of death of Hollywood legend Diane Keaton at the age of 79 has been confirmed as pneumonia.
A report from People revealed that Keaton’s illness caught those close to her by surprise. “She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,” an unnamed friend of the Oscar winner said. “It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.”
They added: “In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.”
The vivacious icon was equally known for her off-screen presence, beloved for her whimsical sense of humor and her signature style, wearing tuxedos, turtlenecks, bowler hats and black-rimmed eyeglasses. (Watch photogallery on New York Post)
Keaton, who was also a writer, director, photographer, and singer, was additionally famed for her relationships with a string of Hollywood stars, including Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Woody Allen.
She is survived by her two children, Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25, whom she famously adopted after her 50th birthday.
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress known for a prolific career in uplifting comedies, a quirky sense of fashion, and a penchant for drinking red wine with ice cubes, has died at the age of 79.
A family spokesperson confirmed the actress’ death in California to People; no other details were provided, and the family has asked for privacy at this time.
Keaton, born and raised in Los Angeles, got her start acting and singing at Santa Ana High School, where she starred as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. After studying acting at Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, Keaton was cast as the understudy for the character of Sheila in the original Broadway production of Hair in 1968. The following year, she starred in Woody Allen’s comedic stage play Play it Again, Sam, which earned her a Tony Award nomination for a Best Featured Actress in a Play.
The actress went on to appear in several films, including Lovers and Other Strangers, which marked her onscreen debut. Francis Ford Coppola noticed her performance in the film and cast her in his 1972 Oscar-winning film The Godfather as Kay Adams, the girlfriend and eventual wife of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino.
In 2023, Coppola finally explained what attracted him to Keaton, responding to a query from the actress herself. “I chose you, because although you were to play the more straight/vanilla wife, there was something more about you, deeper, funnier, and very interesting,” he said, adding, “I was right.”
