On Saturday, the film industry lost one of its most beloved icons, Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79. Ben Stiller tribute Diane Keaton shortly after the news broke, honoring her enduring impact on film and culture.
Actors, musicians, and filmmakers worldwide shared heartfelt tributes to celebrate Keaton’s remarkable career and her distinctive personality, highlighting her influence across generations.
Friends and Co-Stars Reflect on Keaton’s Unique Spirit
Bette Midler, who starred alongside Keaton in The First Wives Club, expressed her sorrow on Threads, posting a series of photos featuring the two together. She remembered Keaton not only as a brilliant and beautiful talent but also as someone free of the typical competitiveness of stardom.
“She was hilarious, and completely without guile or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”
— Bette Midler, Actress and Singer
Ben Stiller responded on X, highlighting Keaton’s iconic status in film. He called her one of the greatest film actors ever, emphasizing her style, humor, and comedy as defining qualities.
“Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.”
— Ben Stiller, Actor and Filmmaker
Tributes from Notable Industry Figures and Musicians
Kerry Washington offered condolences and praised Keaton’s authenticity and courage, calling her a true inspiration for many in the entertainment world.
“Rest in peace, Diane Keaton. Your talent, courage, and authenticity were a true inspiration.”
— Kerry Washington, Actress
Belinda Carlisle, who worked with Keaton when the actress directed two of her music videos, shared a deeply personal tribute. She reflected on Keaton’s kindness and eccentricity, describing her as a vital and memorable part of her career.
“Diane Keaton was such a talent and a big part of my career. She directed two videos of mine – ‘Heaven Is A Place on Earth’ and the video for ‘I Get Weak.’ She was kind and eccentric and I was blessed to know her. RIP Diane, you will be missed.”
— Belinda Carlisle, Singer
Octavia Spencer honored Keaton as a true original who embodied the power of being oneself, celebrating her strength and unique presence.
“Today we lost a true original. @diane_keaton wasn’t just an actress: she was a force. a woman who showed us that being yourself is the most powerful thing you can be.”
— Octavia Spencer, Actress
Kate Hudson, daughter of Goldie Hawn (Keaton’s co-star in The First Wives Club), remained brief but heartfelt in her expression of love and loss:
“We love you so much Diane.”
— Kate Hudson, Actress
Nancy Sinatra shared her deep admiration for Keaton, whom she described as a profoundly gifted actor with unforgettable roles. Sinatra lamented the loss and expressed hope that Keaton’s legacy would continue shining.
“Diane Keaton has left us and I can’t tell you how profoundly sad that makes me. I adored her — idolized her. She was a very special person and an incredibly gifted actor, who made each of her roles unforgettable. Her light will continue to shine through the art she leaves behind. Godspeed, Diane. My heart goes out to her family and to each of us grieving this heartbreaking loss.”
— Nancy Sinatra, Singer
Actors and Filmmakers Celebrate Keaton’s Enduring Influence
Jeremy O. Harris highlighted how Keaton maintained a strong sense of self amid her many roles, serving as an inspiring figure for young performers exploring identity through their art.
“RIP to one of America’s most graceful, elegant, and fiercely talented muses Diane Keaton who maintained a sense of self throughout her many roles that was a reminder to me as a young performer that the most interesting person you can mine are the many aspects of yourself.”
— Jeremy O. Harris, Playwright and Actor
Joe Russo, director and producer, recalled Keaton’s unforgettable presence in classic films like Annie Hall and Something’s Gotta Give, underscoring the timeless appeal that endeared her to audiences.
“Whether it’s ANNIE HALL or SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE, we’ll always remember when we fell in love with Diane Keaton. RIP to an icon.”
— Joe Russo, Filmmaker
Matthew Modine shared a nostalgic reflection on working with Keaton in the 1984 film Mrs. Soffel, describing her as a captivating enigma whose charm combined wit, warmth, and a deeply engaging personality.
“Every so often a person comes along that defies all definition. They’re a mystery. Sometimes it’s ben they go digging within themselves attempting to discover something hidden deep inside. All that behind a gorgeous smile, razor sharp wit and infectious laugh. God speed sister.”
— Matthew Modine, Actor
Melissa Rivers further underscored Keaton’s versatility, praising her ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles. Rivers recalled a personal anecdote when Keaton kindly reached out to her mother after releasing a documentary.
“Diane Keaton could do anything! From dramatic roles like Kay Corleone in ‘The Godfather’ trilogy, to her hilariously offbeat portrayal of Annie Hall, which won her an Oscar, her talent seemed limitless. I also remember her lovely cold call to my mom after the release of her documentary, ‘A Piece of Work,’ just to share her admiration. She will be greatly missed.”
— Melissa Rivers, Television Host and Producer
Diane Keaton’s Lasting Legacy in Film and Culture
Diane Keaton’s passing leaves a significant void in the entertainment world, as her contributions shaped modern film with unforgettable performances, memorable characters, and an unmistakable personal style. From her pioneering work in classics to her influence behind the camera, the outpouring of grief and admiration reflects her extraordinary impact on peers and audiences alike.
As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Keaton’s legacy will inspire future generations of artists who, like her, blend authenticity, humor, and talent to create enduring art. Her achievements in both acting and directing reinforce a career that bridged boundaries and enriched the cultural landscape.
With Ben Stiller leading the homage among many other stars, Diane Keaton’s life and work remain a powerful testament to the importance of staying true to oneself in a demanding industry, leaving a message of hope and passion for those who follow.
Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) October 11, 2025
Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) October 11, 2025
I cant! 💔💔💔 Diane Keaton was such a talent and a BIG part of my career. She directed two videos of mine – "Heaven Is A Place on Earth" and the video for "I Get Weak."
She was kind and eccentric and I was blessed to know her. RIP Diane, you will be missed. 💔 pic.twitter.com/PbDVNQsJh8— Belinda Carlisle 💙 (@belindacarlisle) October 11, 2025
Diane Keaton has left us and I can’t tell you how profoundly sad that makes me. I adored her — idolized her. She was a very special person and an incredibly gifted actor, who made each of her roles unforgettable. Her light will continue to shine through the art she leaves behind.… pic.twitter.com/pYr5cm3Ebu
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) October 11, 2025
RIP to one of America’s most graceful, elegant, and fiercely talented muses Diane Keaton who maintained a sense of self throughout her many roles that was a reminder to me as a young performer that the most interesting person you can mine are the many aspects of yourself. pic.twitter.com/qXJ7iRS1zY
— Jeremy O. Harris (@jeremyoharris) October 11, 2025
Whether it’s ANNIE HALL or SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE, we’ll always remember when we fell in love with Diane Keaton.
RIP to an icon. pic.twitter.com/QYaVwMOy3e
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) October 11, 2025
