Diane Keaton, the talented septuagenarian with nearly six decades of acting under her belt, has captivated generations of fans on screen with her mastery of various roles.
However, beyond the spotlight, the Hollywood “it girl” possessed a skill for concealing unsettling secrets from her youth, which she now openly acknowledges as “creepy.”
As one of Hollywood’s most accomplished leading ladies, Diane Keaton, born in LA and now 77 years old, stands as an icon whose career has spanned almost sixty years.
Her journey began in 1968 on the stage, stepping in as an understudy for a lead character in the hippie-musical “Hair,” where her talent caught the eye of Woody Allen. This marked the start of her collaboration with Allen, playing his love interest in the Broadway production of “Play It Again, Sam” (1969). Her portrayal of Linda Christie, reprised in the 1972 film adaptation, earned her first and sole Tony nomination when she was just 23 years old.
Reflecting the fleeting romance of her character’s on-stage relationship with Woody Allen, her real-life connection with Allen lasted a few years, during which they collaborated on multiple films.
Following smaller roles in film, TV, and commercials, Keaton’s breakthrough came with “The Godfather,” where her profile soared playing the girlfriend-turned-wife of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). This role in the Oscar-winning blockbuster solidified her status as an exceptional actor.
In 1974, she revisited her character in “The Godfather Part II,” portraying the estranged wife of a criminal empire’s leader, again played by Pacino, with whom she shared an on-and-off relationship. In an interview with People, Keaton confessed her admiration for Pacino, describing him as charming, hilarious, and alluringly unconventional.
Reuniting with Allen in “Annie Hall” (1977), she secured an Academy Award and Golden Globe, marking a turning point in her career.
Keaton’s filmography boasts numerous hits, including “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” “Manhattan,” and “Reds” (1981), where she starred alongside Warren Beatty, the actor and director she deeply admired. As she matured, she embraced diverse roles, such as the mother in “Father of the Bride” (1991) alongside Steve Martin and “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” Her appearance in “The Godfather Part III” (2000) and “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003) garnered acclaim, the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination.
Colleagues praise her professionalism and unpredictability. Jack Nicholson, her co-star in “Something’s Gotta Give,” lauds her discipline and the depth she brings to her roles.
While her character in “Something’s Gotta Give” falls for a much older man, Keaton enjoyed a strong bond with her much younger co-star, Keanu Reeves. Their on-screen kisses prompted both to feel awkward due to the age difference.
Keaton is an advocate of embracing natural aging, unapologetically displaying her silver hair and aging gracefully. Her journey was not without struggles, including harsh comments about her appearance. She courageously confronted her battle with bulimia, a disorder she overcame through therapy and dedication.
She proudly embraces her role as a mother, having adopted two children in her 50s. Outside acting, Keaton designed and built a farmhouse-style brick mansion, a testament to her creativity and vision.
As for my favorite Diane Keaton films, “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and “Father of the Bride” stand out as timeless classics showcasing her remarkable talent.
