Hollywood stunned as beloved star dies at 79—here’s what she kept hidden for months

Hollywood woke to heartbreak as news broke that beloved actress Diane Keaton had died at 79.

Known for her effortless wit, sharp humour and iconic sense of style, Keaton’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.

Fans, friends and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a true original.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical call at Keaton’s Brentwood home at 8:08 am on Saturday, taking a patient to hospital—but the actress could not be saved.

Her family has requested privacy as the cause of death remains undisclosed.

A sudden goodbye that shocked even close friends

Friends close to Keaton told People that her health had deteriorated rapidly in recent months.

Even those who had known her for decades were unaware of the extent of her illness.

'In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren't fully aware of what was happening', sources revealed.

Jane Fonda paid tribute, saying, 'It's hard to believe,' capturing the disbelief felt by millions around the world.

From Broadway to Oscar gold

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on 5 January 1946, Keaton’s journey to stardom began on the stage.

She studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and made her Broadway debut as an understudy in Hair.

Her breakout moment came in Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam in 1969, which earned her a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play.

This partnership would prove pivotal—Allen later cast her in Annie Hall (1977), a role that won her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Her earlier work in The Godfather (1972) opposite Al Pacino had already made her a household name, solidifying her place in Hollywood history.

The films that defined generations

Keaton’s Oscar-winning performance in Annie Hall showcased her signature blend of charm, humour and vulnerability.

She went on to star in hits like Baby Boom, where she played a career woman juggling unexpected motherhood, and the beloved Father of the Bride series with Steve Martin.

In The First Wives Club, she joined Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn to deliver one of the most memorable comedies of the 1990s.

Her career highlights also included Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Crimes of the Heart (1986), Marvin’s Room (1996), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), The Family Stone (2005), Book Club (2018), and Mack & Rita (2022).

Even in her seventies, Keaton continued to captivate audiences, proving her timeless appeal across generations.

Living life on her own terms

Fiercely independent and unapologetically herself, Keaton never married.

She adopted two children—Dexter, now 29, and Duke, 25—in her fifties, a decision she often said transformed her life.

'The shocking thing is that I worry differently now,' Keaton told Life Magazine in 2005. 'Before kids, if I worried, it was only about myself, but that's all you do is worry as a parent. It's rule number one in parenting: secretly worry without letting the kids know you're worried.'

Her openness about ageing and motherhood endeared her to fans even more.

'At this age, everything seems much more astonishing. Like, Oh my goodness, look at that sycamore tree! Why didn't I see that before? There's a magical aspect, a wonder, to being on this planet,' she said to AARP Magazine when she was 69.

Hollywood mourns a true original

Keaton’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from stars who admired her warmth and brilliance.

Bette Midler wrote on social media, 'The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me.'

Ben Stiller called her 'One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant.'

Mary Steenburgen described her as 'magic.' 'There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her. I loved her and felt blessed to be her friend... What a wonder she was!!!'

A legacy that transcends generations

Beyond acting, Keaton was a director, writer, and photographer.

Her directorial credits include the documentary Heaven (1987), an episode of Twin Peaks (1991), and the comedy Hanging Up (2000).

She also directed several Belinda Carlisle music videos and published photo books such as Reservations (1980) and Saved (2022).

In 2017, the American Film Institute presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her trailblazing impact on cinema and culture.

Keaton’s enduring influence was further cemented when she appeared in Justin Bieber’s Ghost music video in 2021, playing a grandmother rediscovering love after loss.

Diane Keaton’s death marks the end of an era, but her legacy—one of courage, creativity and authenticity—will live on forever.

She reminded the world that ageing could be joyful, individuality could be powerful, and being yourself was always enough.

While the world continues to grieve the loss of Diane Keaton, her passing serves as a poignant reminder of how suddenly life can change—even for the brightest stars.

It’s a sentiment echoed in another heartbreaking story that recently shook the entertainment world.

Here’s a look at another performer whose brilliance was lost far too soon.

Read more: The stage mourns a 'Phantom'—a star’s light dimmed too soon

Rest in peace, Diane Keaton—forever our Annie Hall and Hollywood’s most unforgettable muse.