Steve Martin paid tribute to his longtime friend and Father of the Bride co-star Diane Keaton by sharing a rare throwback from their college days. The 80-year-old actor posted the nostalgic photo on Sunday, just a day after news emerged of Keaton’s passing at age 79. This gesture highlights the deep connection between the two Hollywood icons and recalls a friendship that spans more than six decades.
A Glimpse into Their Early Years Together
Martin revealed a treasured keepsake from a 1964 production of the musical Carousel at Santa Ana College, where Diane Keaton appeared under her birth name, Diane Hall. In the vintage playbill, Keaton is featured as Carrie Pipperidge, while Martin is listed further down as a stagehand. Both names were circled, drawing attention to their early collaboration long before their Hollywood fame.
This rare photo delighted fans, who admired the nostalgic and heartfelt nature of the memory. It offers a charming look at the beginnings of their enduring friendship, blending warmth and humor in a way that only they could.
Decades of Friendship Leading to Cinematic Success
The bond between Martin and Keaton began well before their acclaimed Hollywood careers, reinforcing their relationship as something longstanding and genuine. They famously reunited on screen as George and Nina Banks in the 1991 hit Father of the Bride, reprising these roles in its 1995 sequel, Father of the Bride Part II, and more recently in the 2020 reunion special Father of the Bride Part 3 (ish).
Their effortless on-screen chemistry, marked by wit and warmth, helped make the films beloved classics and mirrored the real-life friendship they maintained off-screen. Just before posting the college throwback, Martin shared another humorous tribute—an exchange from an Interview magazine featuring Keaton and their fellow co-star Martin Short.
Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?
Short teased, to which Keaton replied,
I mean, you’re both idiots.
Martin included the song The Way You Look Tonight by Steve Tyrell and wrote,
Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.
This candid moment perfectly captured their decades-long friendship, filled with laughter, respect, and genuine affection—the same qualities that made their characters’ relationship so convincing and beloved.
Honoring Diane Keaton’s Legacy and Life
Diane Keaton’s passing was publicly confirmed on Saturday, October 11, by a family spokesperson who requested privacy during this difficult time. Keaton’s nearly 60-year career left a lasting mark on Hollywood, and her sudden decline came as a shock to those who admired her strength and spirit.
She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,
a close friend shared, adding,
It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.
During her final months, Keaton was reportedly surrounded only by her closest family members. Beyond her memorable roles in films such as Annie Hall, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give, she was a devoted mother to her two sons, Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25, both adopted later in her life.
Her last public Instagram post from April showed a tender moment with her golden retriever, Reggie, embodying the warmth and gentle creativity that defined her personality. This intimate snapshot offered a glimpse into the quiet joys she cherished outside the spotlight.
As fans and friends reflect on Diane Keaton’s exceptional career and vibrant spirit, many are turning to her timeless films to celebrate her extraordinary talents and enduring influence on cinema.
