Diane Keaton, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles, passed away on October 11, 2025. Robert De Niro, her co-star in the acclaimed film The Godfather Part II, issued a heartfelt statement expressing his sadness and shock, highlighting their enduring connection and the impact she had on those around her. This Robert De Niro tribute reflects the deep respect and affection he held for Keaton during their decades-long friendship and collaborations.
De Niro’s message to The Hollywood Reporter revealed his emotional response:
“I am very sad to hear of Diane’s passing. I was very fond of her and the news of her leaving us has taken me totally by surprise,”
he shared.
He added,
“I was not expecting her to leave us. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.”
The Enduring Partnership Between Keaton and De Niro
Diane Keaton’s career was marked by memorable performances, especially her role as Kay in The Godfather trilogy. Her collaboration with Robert De Niro extended beyond this iconic work, including films such as Marvin’s Room (1996) and The Big Wedding (2013). Their shared screen time fostered a lasting bond, remembered fondly by fans and industry peers alike.
Francis Ford Coppola, director of the trilogy, paid tribute to Keaton by posting on Instagram, emphasizing her remarkable talent and influence. He wrote,
“Words can’t express the wonder and talent of Diane Keaton. Endlessly intelligent, so beautiful. From her earliest performances in ‘Hair’ and throughout her amazing career, she was an extraordinary actor.”
Coppola recalled discovering Keaton:
“I saw her in the film ‘Lovers and Other Strangers’ and knew I had to have her play Kay in ‘The Godfather,’ (which she told me she based on my wife Ellie) and her wonderful work in ‘Annie Hall’ while simultaneously setting a new fashion trend.”
He concluded,
“Everything about Diane was creativity personified.”
Emotional Tributes from Keaton’s ‘First Wives Club’ Co-stars
Among the many who mourn Diane Keaton are her co-stars from The First Wives Club, including Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn, who publicly expressed their grief and admiration for her. Bette Midler described Keaton as “brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary,” and reflected on her nature, saying,
“She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star.”
Midler added a poignant note:
“What you saw was who she was … oh, la, lala!”
Goldie Hawn shared her own touching memories in an Instagram tribute:
“Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you. You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination,”
she wrote.
Hawn continued with heartfelt words:
“How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to ‘shut up’ honey. There was, and will be, no one like you.”
She reflected on the joy of working together,
“You stole the hearts of the world and shared your genius with millions, making films that made us laugh and cry in ways only you could. I was blessed to make ‘First Wives Club’ with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love.”
Hawn also revealed the bond they hoped to sustain beyond this life:
“We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends. Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows … maybe in the next life.”
She closed her tribute with a heartfelt farewell:
“Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you. My heart goes out to your beautiful children, Dex and Duke. I love you.”
Reflecting on Diane Keaton’s Legacy and Influence
Diane Keaton’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood, where her unique talent and charm left an indelible mark on film and culture. Robert De Niro’s tribute, alongside those from Francis Ford Coppola and her co-stars, highlight the void left by her absence. Known for her range—from dramatic roles to comedic flair—Keaton’s contributions continue to inspire actors and audiences worldwide.
As fans and colleagues remember her, the lasting impact of her work remains evident in the films that shaped generations. The tributes from prominent figures suggest that her legacy will endure, resonating across the entertainment industry and beyond.
