Diane Keaton’s kids, career timeline: Inside her Hollywood journey
Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton passed away at age 79
Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton left the world in shock after passing away unexpectedly at the age of 79.
The acclaimed filmmaker, actress, and director remains one of Hollywood’s timeless icons, celebrated for her versatile career and life as a proud mother of two.
Keaton, whose death made headlines on October 11 as confirmed by PEOPLE magazine, became a mother later in life, adopting daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25, whom she lovingly raised on her own.
From Annie Hall to Book Club, Keaton's journey is a story of talent, individuality, and quiet strength both on and off screen. With a career spanning over five decades, she continues to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
Diane Keaton career timeline
Starting her career in the late 1960s as a stage actress, Keaton navigated the ever-changing dynamics of Hollywood to leave behind an enduring legacy as an Oscar-winning performer.
Early career (Late 1960s – Early 1970s)
The Hollywood icon began her career on stage, appearing in the original 1968 Broadway production of Hair.
Keaton gained recognition for her role in Woody Allen’s play Play It Again, Sam (1969), which became her Broadway breakthrough.
In 1970, she made her film debut with Lovers and Other Strangers.
'The Godfather' era (1972–1974)
Keaton’s silver-screen breakthrough came as Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
She reprised the role in The Godfather: Part II (1974), cementing her place in Hollywood.
The Woody Allen collaboration, Oscar win (Mid–Late 1970s)
As Keaton rose to fame throughout the 1970s, she became Woody Allen’s muse, a partnership that propelled her already shining career.
She starred in Sleeper (1973), Love and Death (1975), and Annie Hall (1977), with Annie Hall becoming her career-defining role, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Critically acclaimed work (1980s)
Keaton shifted to more dramatic and complex roles in the 1980s, proving her versatility with films such as Reds (1981), which earned her another Oscar nomination, Shoot the Moon (1982), and Crimes of the Heart (1986).
She also starred in the romantic comedy Baby Boom (1987), showcasing her trademark charm and wit.
Mainstream, pop-culture success (1990s)
The 1990s brought a new wave of hits for Keaton, including Father of the Bride (1991) and its sequel (1995), where she played the lovable mother, Nina Banks.
She returned to her iconic role in The Godfather Part III (1990) and directed Unstrung Heroes (1995), proving her talent behind the camera.
2000s comeback in romantic lead roles
Keaton made a major comeback with Something’s Gotta Give (2003) alongside Jack Nicholson, a performance that earned her another Oscar nomination.
Other notable films from this era include The Family Stone (2005) and Morning Glory (2010).
2010s–2020s: Veteran stardom
Keaton continued taking vibrant, age-defying roles in Book Club (2018) and its sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023).
Beyond acting, she became known for her work as a director, producer, author, and fashion icon, particularly for her signature menswear-inspired looks.
Her influence continues to shape Hollywood, inspiring generations of actors and fans alike.
