Al Pacino has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Diane Keaton, his former lover and co-star in the iconic film series The Godfather. Keaton passed away on October 11 at the age of 79 due to pneumonia. The tribute from Pacino highlights their complex personal and professional connection, as well as the impact Keaton had on his life and career.
Keaton and Pacino became Hollywood legends through their roles as Michael and Kay Corleone in The Godfather, a 1972 film that depicted the struggles of a crime family. Their on-screen romance was mirrored by a real-life relationship that lasted on and off from 1971 to 1987. They reprised their characters in The Godfather: Part II and The Godfather: Part III, solidifying their place in cinematic history.
Al Pacino’s Emotional Statement from Paris
While filming in Paris with director Luc Besson, Pacino shared a heartfelt statement with Deadline, revealing the emotional weight of Keaton’s passing. It reportedly took him several days to come to terms with the news.
When I first heard the news, I was shaken,
he said.
Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and on more than one occasion influenced the direction of my life.
He further reflected on their past, saying,
Though over thirty years has past since we were together, the memories remain vivid, and with her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving.
Pacino described Keaton’s unique presence, stating,
She lived without limits, and everything she touched carried her unmistakable energy. She opened doors for others, inspired generations and embodied a once-in-a-lifetime gift that radiated through her work and her life,
while praising her magnetism on screen:
On screen, she was magnetic — lightning and charm, hurricanes and tenderness. She was a wonder. Acting was her art, but it was only one of the many ways she expressed her imagination and creativity.
Concluding his tribute, Pacino said,
People will miss her, but more than that, they will remember her. She left a mark that cannot fade. She was unstoppable, resilient and above all, deeply human,
and added,
I will always remember her. She could fly — and in my heart, she always will.
Their Shared History and Unspoken Regrets
After Keaton’s death, it was reported by The Daily Mail that Pacino regretted never proposing to her, as neither had married during their lives. Keaton had once confronted Pacino with an ultimatum to marry her, reflecting the complexities of their relationship.
In 2017, Keaton spoke candidly about their time together, admitting,
I worked hard on that one. I went about it in not a perfect way,
but her feelings toward Pacino remained affectionate. She described him as
Charming, hilarious, a nonstop talker,
and mused,
There was an aspect of him that was like a lost orphan, like this kind of crazy idiot savant. And oh, gorgeous!
Diane Keaton’s Legacy Beyond the Silver Screen
Though Keaton never married, she later adopted two children, Dexter and Duke, building a family that continued alongside her vibrant career. Pacino’s tribute underscored how she touched many lives beyond her acting roles, inspiring others with her creativity and resilience. Their story remains one of Hollywood’s memorable partnerships that blended passion, art, and personal challenges.
Al Pacino Diane Keaton tribute serves as a poignant reminder of their shared history and the enduring mark that Keaton left on film and in the hearts of those who knew her personally.
