Hollywood mourns as iconic actress Diane Keaton dies at 79

Legendary Hollywood actress Diane Keaton has died in California at the age of 79.

Keaton, an enduring and distinctive figure in cinema, rose to international fame after her Oscar-winning performance in Annie Hall (1977), a film written, directed, and co-starring her former boyfriend, Woody Allen, which was inspired largely by her own life.

Over her remarkable career spanning five decades, Keaton starred in several critically acclaimed films, including The Godfather trilogy, Reds, Marvin’s Room, Father of the Bride, Something’s Gotta Give, and The First Wives Club.

Her death came as a shock to fans and colleagues worldwide. Although she had been out of the public spotlight in recent months, no illness had been previously reported.

According to People magazine, a source close to the actress revealed that Keaton’s health had “declined very suddenly” in recent months, with even many of her longtime friends unaware of her condition.

Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood, with stars such as Woody Allen, Jane Fonda, Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Meryl Streep honoring her legacy and contributions to film.

Keaton, who never married, is survived by her two younger sisters, Dorrie and Robin, and her two adopted children, daughter Dexter and son Duke.

Reflecting on motherhood, she once said, “It’s just about the most completely humbling experience I’ve ever had.”