Diane Keaton, the Oscar‑winning actress whose singular presence and style spanned more than five decades, has died at the age of 79 in California, officials say. Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, when she embarked on her acting career.Her early career included work on stage, notably in the Broadway production of Hair (1968), before she made her mark onscreen in the early 1970s.

Her breakthrough came with her role as Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972), but it was her collaborations with Woody Allen that etched her in cinematic memory. In Annie Hall (1977), she played the quirky, introspective Annie and won the Academy Award for Best Actress; that film helped define her style and public image. Over the years, she delivered memorable performances in films such as Reds, Marvin’s Room, Something’s Gotta Give, The First Wives Club, and Father of the Bride — always bringing a mix of vulnerability, wit, and authenticity to her characters.

In the months preceding her death, her health reportedly declined quite suddenly, though she and her family kept many details private. She leaves behind her adopted children, Dexter and Duke, and a legacy that transcended acting—touching fashion, writing, design, and a kind of emotional honesty that few public figures sustain. Colleagues and fans alike have expressed deep grief, praising her originality, warmth, and the indelible mark she’s left on culture.