DIANE KEATON, 1946-2025 A cinematic legend and eclectic style icon

Diane Keaton, whose effortless naturalism made her a perfect foil to so many live-wire actors of the 1970s in movies such as “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part II” and “Annie Hall,” has died. She was 79.

- JOSHUA ROTHKOPF

ELEGANCE IN ECCENTRICITY

Diane Keaton received four Oscar nominations, winning for her work in 1977's "Annie Hall."

In an extraordinary run during the era when she was dominant, Keaton’s career spanned the high points of American cinema: Francis Ford Coppola’s Mafia saga and several of Woody Allen's urbane comedies, climaxing in an Oscar win for her culture-changing turn as the title character in 1977's “Annie Hall.” Her catchphrase, “Oh well, la-di-da, la-di-da,” became iconic.

Over her career, she received four Oscar nominations for lead actress, winning for “Annie Hall.”

Her death was first reported by People and confirmed by the New York Times, citing a family spokesperson. No cause of death was released.

Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton came to prominence after her late-1960s New York stage career, coupled with nightclub singing and acting study at the ensemble-focused Neighborhood Playhouse, led her to audition for Allen's 1969 theatrical production of "Play It Again, Sam," which brought her a Tony nomination before the age of 25.

But the real prize would be her extended collaboration with Allen, which resulted in eight movies-including many of the "earlier, funnier ones," per Allen's own self-deprecating phrase in "Stardust Memories" such as the film version of "Play It Again, Sam" (1972), "Sleeper" (1973) and "Love and Death" (1975).

Regarding her most lasting creation, Keaton lent "Annie Hall" her actual name (she was born Diane Hall and often went by Annie), along with several of her personal quirks, mined by a doting Allen, who was at one time her romantic partner. Apart from the critical raves and awards, though, the film made her a fashion icon via Annie's fedora hats, vests, ties and baggy pants.