Colleagues across generations consistently spoke of her with admiration, often describing her as generous, grounded, and refreshingly authentic in an industry known for ego.
Whether she was working alongside legendary directors or mentoring younger actors, Keaton left a lasting impression through her kindness, professionalism, and sense of humor. In tributes following her passing, one theme was clear: no one ever had a bad word to say about her. She was not only a cinematic icon, but also one of the rare few whose character off-screen was just as remarkable as her performances on it.
From emotional Instagram posts to public statements, here’s a look at how the industry expressed grief and honored the legacy of a true icon.
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Steve Martin and Martin Short, longtime friends and frequent collaborators of Diane Keaton, honored her memory during a recent appearance on their live comedy tour.
Actors Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short attends The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Annual Gala Tribute to honor actress Diane Keaton at Avery Fisher Hall on April 9, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
Steve Martin also posted a handwritten note from Diane on Instagram, in which Martin Short had once asked her, “Who’s sexier — me or Steve?” to which Keaton cheekily replied, “I mean, you’re both idiots.” Martin captioned the post: “Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.” The moment captured the affection, wit, and deep bond the trio shared, reminding fans that behind the iconic actress was a friend who lit up every room with laughter and love.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio and Diane Keaton in Marvin’s Room (1996)
DiCaprio shared a throwback photo with Keaton from their time working together on Marvin’s Room (1996), when he was 18. “Diane Keaton was one of a kind. Brillian, funny, and unapologetically herself. A legend, an icon, and a truly kind human being. I had the honor of working with her at 18. She will be deeply missed,” he said.
Woody Allen
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen in Annie Hall (1977) IMDb
Woody Allen, who directed Diane Keaton in some of her most celebrated films including Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Play It Again, Sam, shared a deeply personal tribute following her passing. Reflecting on their decades-long connection, Allen wrote in The Free Press: “It’s grammatically incorrect to say “most unique,” but all rules of grammar, and I guess anything else, are suspended when talking about Diane Keaton. Unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again, her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered,” an extract of the tribute says.
“A few days ago the world was a place that included Diane Keaton. Now it’s a world that does not. Hence, it’s a drearier world. Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.” Diane Keaton was Woody Allen’s muse and inspiration.
He wrote: “I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton. I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.”
Sarah Jessica Parker
Actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Keaton arrive to the world premiere of Twentieth Century Fox’s film “The Family Stone” at the Mann Village Theater on December 6, 2005 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Sarah Jessica Parker, who co‑starred with Diane Keaton in The First Wives Club and The Family Stone, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram after Keaton’s death. “Diane Keaton has been a point of inspiration for countless actresses. I include myself among those who loved and admired her. I was very privileged to witness her singular skill and talent on both First Wives Club and The Family Stone. I will cherish those memories on set as well her touching, delightful, and perfectly own cinematic career. Which is a gorgeous legacy of an exquisite person. She will be terribly missed. RIP and Godspeed, you glorious creature. X, SJ.”
Keanu Reeves
Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves speak onstage during the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Keanu Reeves paid heartfelt tribute to Diane Keaton following her passing. At a red carpet screening in New York for his new film Good Fortune, Reeves described Keaton as a “total pro” who was “very nice to me.” He called her a “generous, generous artist” and “a very special, unique person.” The two first met while working together on the 2010 film Henry’s Crime, where Reeves was impressed not only by her talent but also by her warmth and professionalism. Reflecting on their time on set, he recalled how inspiring it was to witness the genuine affection and history she shared with fellow actor Jack Nicholson.
Ellen DeGeneres
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres shared a compilation of Diane Keaton’s appearances on her show and wrote: “Diane Keaton was an icon- a hero of mine growing up. To be able to connect with her on my show over the years was so much fun. She was one of my all-time favorite guests. Always a surprise. always fun. She was one of a kind”.
Mandy Moore
Actresses Mandy Moore and Diane Keaton arrive at the world premiere of “Because I Said So” at ArcLight Hollywood on January 30, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Shared a picture of her and Diane together while filming Because I Said So (2007). Moore dedicated felt words to the actress: “They say don’t meet your heroes 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 D is and was. I am so sad she’s gone for all the reasons but also because it felt like she’d be here forever, dazzling us with her talent and charm (and her style, c’mon)!!! One of the very best to ever do it. All my love to her children and loved ones.”
Bette Midler
A First Wives Club alumna, Bette Midler posted a black‑and‑white image of Keaton, saying: “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbereably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiviness one would expect from such star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!
Goldie Hawn
Actress Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn arrives to the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel January 16, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Keaton’s longtime friend and First Wives Club co-star Goldie Hawn shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: “Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you. You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination. 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.
You stole the hearts of the world and shared your genius with millions, making films that made us laugh and cry in ways only you could. I was blessed to make First Wives Club with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love.
We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends. Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows … maybe in the next life. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you. My heart goes out to your beautiful children, Dex and Duke. I love you.”
Francis Ford Coppolla
Francis Ford Coppola, who famously directed Diane Keaton in The Godfather trilogy, shared a heartfelt tribute, in which he wrote: “Words can’t express the wonder and talent of Diane Keaton. Endlessly intelligent, so beautiful. From her earliest performances in Hair and throughout her amazing career, she was an extraordinary actor. 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.
