Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson shared a close bond throughout their years working together in Hollywood, with their Jack Nicholson Diane Keaton friendship growing deeper especially during their film collaborations. Their enduring connection could be seen most vividly in projects like 1981’s Reds and the 2003 romantic comedy Something’s Gotta Give, which led to Keaton earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
For Nicholson, acting alongside Keaton was a source of constant amusement and excitement, marked by a unique camaraderie that extended beyond the camera.
Behind the Scenes of a Genuine Connection
Reflecting on their working relationship in 2003, Nicholson revealed the playful and unpredictable dynamic he shared with Keaton.
“Like me, inside she’s pretty wild about fooling around and you can say anything to Diane,”
he said, describing moments when she would jokingly call him “disgusting” to provoke laughter. Nicholson emphasized the affection and mutual respect that underpinned their interactions on set, making even the more tedious hours of filming interesting and enjoyable.
He further explained,
“She’s nothing if not fascinating, and working with her, she’s very unpredictable, which I like. She’s very disciplined about it all. She approaches a script sort of like a play in that she has the entire script memorized before you start doing the movie which I don’t know any other actors doing that. In fact, it’s almost a craft axiom that it’s best if you learn it day by day and then, forget it.”
The Significance of Their Reunion After Two Decades
Though Keaton and Nicholson first worked together in Reds, Keaton admitted feeling both anxious and excited to reunite with Nicholson after many years apart. Speaking to Venice Magazine in late 2003, she reflected on the gap between their collaborations and Nicholson’s rise to legendary status.
“Yeah, I mean I hadn’t seen Jack, besides passing him like twice in 25 years,”
she said.
“So I didn’t know what he would be like. Because in that span of time, you know, Jack became larger than legendary. He became a national treasure, which has not exactly happened to me.”
Keaton described how she had only glimpsed Nicholson from a distance at Lakers games, magazine covers, and award shows, which made reconnecting for Something’s Gotta Give a meaningful experience reflective of their evolving careers and friendship.
A Memorable Scene Left Nicholson Breathless
Director Nancy Meyers shared a revealing anecdote about a rehearsal during Something’s Gotta Give. When practicing the street scene where Keaton’s and Nicholson’s characters declare their love, Nicholson unexpectedly became flustered. Meyers explained,
“We’re rehearsing that scene in the street, where he’s running after her, and he calls me over after one rehearsal. He’s all rattled.”
Meyers continued,
“I said, ‘What’s up?’ And he goes, ‘Diane just told me she loves me.’ I couldn’t tell if he was horrified or thrilled. So I was like, ‘Yes, I know, I wrote that line. It’s in the script, Jack.’ And he said, ‘Oh, OK.’ He thought she meant it. It’s really funny. That’s her.”
Why ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ Held a Special Meaning for Keaton
In her 2011 memoir, Then Again, Keaton described Something’s Gotta Give as her favorite film. She fondly recalled receiving a generous payment from the movie’s back-end earnings that arrived unexpectedly. It was later revealed to her that Nicholson had shared a portion of his profit with her, underscoring their close friendship and his respect for Keaton.
Keaton’s Open Confession of Admiration for Nicholson
The on-screen chemistry between Keaton and Nicholson was something Keaton openly acknowledged, admitting a longstanding admiration for him.
“I’ve had the biggest crush on him for 20 years,”
she said.
“How can you not, even now? He’s irresistible. Did I tell him that? Sure, he knows. I told him all the time.”
Last Moments Shared: Keaton’s Presence at Nicholson’s Birthday
One of the last glimpses of their friendship came shortly before Keaton’s passing in October 2025, when she attended Jack Nicholson’s birthday party. Actor Ed Begley Jr., who co-starred with Keaton in Book Club, shared his reflections in an interview.
“I saw her fairly recently at Jack Nicholson’s birthday party, and it was good to see her there,”
he recalled.
“She loved Jack Nicholson, as I do, and Jack loved her. So I don’t mean to speak for him. I’m sure he’s as devastated as I am by her loss.”
Keaton’s death on October 11, 2025, at age 79 left the entertainment world mourning the loss of a versatile and passionate artist. Though the cause of death was not immediately disclosed, tributes underscored her impact beyond acting, including her advocacy and the friendships she nurtured over decades in Hollywood.
The lasting bond between Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton remains a testament to the special connections forged through their shared life in the film industry. Their friendship, layered with affection, humor, and mutual respect, provides a glimpse into the private camaraderie behind their celebrated careers.
