By The Associated Press undefined
Oscar winning actor Diane Keaton, who died at 79, was known for her performances and style that helped shaped some of the most indelible films of all time, including “The Godfather,” “Annie Hall,” “Father of the Bride” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”
She was beloved by fans and fellow actors, many of whom paid tribute Saturday after news of Keaton’s death broke. They included co-stars such as Bette Midler, Mandy Moore and Steve Martin, who shared an excerpt of an interview with Keaton and Martin Short that he said “sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”
Here is a roundup of some notable reaction to Keaton’s death and legacy:
Bette Midler
“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!” — On Instagram. Middler co-starred with Keaton in “The First Wives Club.”
Francis Ford Coppola
“I saw her in the film ‘Lovers and Other Strangers’ and knew I had to have her play Kay in The Godfather, (which she told me she based on my wife Ellie) and her wonderful work in ‘Annie Hall’ while simultaneously setting a new fashion trend. Everything about Diane was creativity personified.” – On Instagram.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
“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.” — On Instagram. Williams-Paisley played Keaton’s daughter in the “Father of the Bride” films.
Steve Martin
“Loved!” — On the social platform X. Martin, who co-starred with Keaton in “Father of the Bride,” also posted on Instagram an interview exchange in which Short asked Keaton who was sexier, him or Martin. Keaton’s response: “I mean, you’re both idiots.”
Goldie Hawn
“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.” – in an Instagram post.
Amanda Seyfried
“I think she was just really outspoken and I think it was kind of beautiful the way she saw the world, the way she talked about it and the way that she communicated through it. I don’t know, I felt like she always said what was on her mind which is important and impossible not to rub off on one who’s with her. But she was always very optimistic, really. It’s really sad. She seemed very vital, very young.” — in an interview with The Associated Press.
Carly Simon
“Diane had a warmth and wit that drew you in, and a courage in her work that left you in awe. I’ve always believed she was one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen. Losing her feels deeply personal. I’ll miss her light, her laughter, and the connection we shared.” – On Instagram. Simon said they were “almost like sisters.”
Cynthia Nixon
“When I was a kid, Diane Keaton was my absolute idol. I loved her acting. I loved her vibe. I loved her everything.” — On Instagram. Nixon also recalled working with Keaton on the film “Five Flights Up” as a “dream come true.”
Mandy Moore
“They say don’t meet your heros but I got to work with one of mine and even call her ‘mom’ for a few months. An honor of a lifetime. What an incandescent human Di is and was.” — On Instagram. Moore starred opposite Keaton in the 2007 film “Because I Said So.”
Octavia Spencer
“Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that authenticity never goes out of fashion.” — On Instagram.
Ben Stiller
“One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.” — On X.