The Roles That Defined A Hollywood Original

Hollywood is remembering one of its most singular stars as Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose charm, wit, and unconventional style made her a generational icon, has died at the age of 79. The news of her passing on October 11, 2025, has left fans and fellow stars reflecting on a career that spanned more than five decades, one that redefined what it meant to be a leading lady. Keaton’s characters were rarely perfect, often awkward, and always relatable. She brought depth, humor, and emotional truth to every role she touched. From “Annie Hall” to “The First Wives Club,” here’s a look back at the performances that made Diane Keaton a legend, and why her work will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Few performances have changed Hollywood the way Keaton’s “Annie Hall” did. Her portrayal of a free-spirited, slightly neurotic woman navigating love and identity was as revolutionary as it was relatable. Keaton’s mix of vulnerability and confidence made “Annie Hall” an instant classic and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film didn’t just redefine romantic comedies, but it redefined women in romantic comedies.

Off-screen, Keaton’s signature menswear-inspired wardrobe sparked a fashion movement that continues to influence designers today. Her wide ties, floppy hats, and layered vests became symbols of effortless individuality, just like the woman herself.

Long before she became known for her comedic charm, Keaton proved her dramatic range as Kay Adams in “The Godfather” trilogy. As Michael Corleone’s conflicted wife, Keaton brought moral weight and emotional complexity to one of cinema’s darkest stories. Her restrained, heartbreaking performance, especially in that unforgettable moment when the door closes on Kay’s face, remains one of the series’ most powerful images.

In Warren Beatty’s “Reds,” Keaton played journalist and activist Louise Bryant, a woman torn between passion and politics during the early 20th century. The film earned Keaton another Oscar nomination and solidified her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her time.

As Bryant, she captured the tension of a woman fighting to be heard, both in love and in history. “Reds” allowed Keaton to shed the comedic mask and step fully into dramatic territory, proving her depth as both an artist and storyteller.

In the ’90s and 2000s, Keaton reinvented herself again, but this time as Hollywood’s queen of mature, self-aware storytelling.

In Nancy Meyers’ romantic comedy “Something’s Gotta Give,” Keaton starred opposite Jack Nicholson as a playwright rediscovering love later in life. Her vulnerability and humor earned her another Oscar nomination and reminded audiences that love stories don’t have an expiration date.

Her role in “Father of the Bride” (and its sequel) cemented her as the quintessential mom of the ’90s, warm, poised, and endlessly relatable. And in “Marvin’s Room,” she showed the depths of her dramatic power, playing a woman caring for her dying father while battling her own mortality.

If “Annie Hall” made Keaton a star, then “The First Wives Club” made her an icon of empowerment. As Annie Paradis, a woman rediscovering her confidence after heartbreak, Keaton led one of the most beloved ensembles in film history alongside Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn. The trio’s chemistry was electric, their humor sharp, and their message timeless, that it’s never too late to start over. The film became a box office hit and a cultural touchstone for women of every age. Its now-famous closing scene, with the three friends dancing and singing “You Don’t Own Me,” remains one of Keaton’s most joyful cinematic moments.

Diane Keaton’s career was built on authenticity. She played women who were messy, funny, flawed, and real, and in doing so, she helped generations of audiences see themselves reflected on screen. From her fearless fashion to her emotional honesty, Keaton challenged Hollywood’s expectations and carved her own path, one unforgettable role at a time.

The actress is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke.