Andy Garcia Honors Diane Keaton: “She Was a Unicorn”

Andy Garcia expressed deep admiration for Diane Keaton following her death on October 26, 2023. The celebrated actor reflected on working with her and emphasized her unique spirit during the 5th annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television in Los Angeles on October 24. His tribute highlighted the special qualities that made Diane Keaton an American original and a beacon of creativity in Hollywood.

Andy Garcia Reflects on His Bond with Diane Keaton

Andy Garcia, who starred alongside Diane Keaton in multiple films including The Godfather Part III and the 2023 release Book Club: The Next Chapter, shared heartfelt thoughts about the late Oscar winner. Speaking with E! News correspondent Erin Lim Rhodes, Garcia described Diane Keaton as “a unicorn” and celebrated her originality. He said,

“She’s a unique, unique spirit. It’s undefinable. She was an American original.”

Andy, 69, considered it a blessing to have acted alongside her on several projects over the years.

Shortly after Diane’s passing, Andy posted rare photos from their time working together on The Godfather Part III in Sicily, captured while filming. He recalled,

“I had them in an old album there,”

and added,

“My wife said, ‘Look at these images that you took of Diane.’”

Reflecting on her loss, Andy posted an emotional message expressing his sorrow:

“Diane you will be deeply missed, but your sublime light will shine forever.”

He further emphasized Diane’s influence in a follow-up Instagram tribute:

“She was a beacon of spontaneity and originality that we all strive for.”

He concluded,

“I was blessed to be in her light. I will carry it with me forever.”

Al Pacino Pays Tribute to His Former Partner and Costar

Al Pacino, who starred opposite Diane in the first three films of The Godfather trilogy and shared a personal relationship with her for over a decade, also mourned her loss publicly. In a message shared with Deadline, the 85-year-old actor revealed how deeply shaken he was by the news. He wrote,

“When I first heard the news, I was shaken.”

Highlighting their close bond, Al referred to Diane as “my partner, my friend,” and someone who brought him immense joy and influence.

Despite their relationship ending in 1990, Pacino said,

“the memories remain vivid, and with her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving.”

He described Diane as

“unstoppable, resilient and above all, deeply human,”

and vowed to remember her forever:

“She could fly—and in my heart, she always will.”

Costars from Book Club Share Their Memories

Diane’s friends and colleagues from the Book Club films, including Mary Steenburgen, Jane Fonda, and Candice Bergen, released tributes showcasing their admiration for her distinctive personality and talent. Mary Steenburgen described Diane as “magic,” saying,

“There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her. I loved her and felt blessed to be her friend. My love to her family. What a wonder she was!!!”

Jane Fonda acknowledged the difficulty of processing Diane’s death. She reflected on Diane’s creative spirit and humor, commenting,

“She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative… in her acting, her wardrobe, her books, her friends, her homes, her library, her worldview. Unique is what she was. And, though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress!”

Candice Bergen called the loss “huge” both personally and professionally, writing,

“Diane was a true artist – tremendously gifted and uniquely talented in so many disciplines, yet also modest and wonderfully eccentric. I will miss her terribly.”

Reese Witherspoon Recalls Diane’s Mentorship

Reese Witherspoon paid homage to Diane Keaton as a formative influence early in her career. The Big Little Lies star reflected on working with Diane in the 1992 TV movie Wildflower, which Diane directed. Remembering their time together at age 15, Reese said,

“She was one of my first mentors in this business. I was 15 years old and I was from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anybody.”

Reese shared Diane’s advice on posture and professionalism in acting:

“She really took the time to pull me aside and say, ‘Stand up straight, OK? I want you to have good posture. If you’re gonna be an actress you got to work on your posture.’”

Encouraging others to honor Diane’s legacy, Reese concluded,

“So for Diane, watch one of her movies. And wear like a really cool, interesting outfit, black and white. Take a cool picture and just live your dream. Just be your unique, interesting self. I think Diane would be really happy. So rest in peace, Diane.”

Keanu Reeves Remembers Working with Diane Keaton

Keanu Reeves reflected fondly on his experience with Diane during the filming of the 2003 romantic comedy Something’s Gotta Give. Describing her as a consummate professional, Keanu told E! News,

“She was very nice to me. Generous, generous artist and a very special, unique person.”

He also appreciated witnessing the chemistry between Diane and Jack Nicholson on set. He stated,

“It was cool to be able to see her and Jack Nicholson together. Just with the history they shared and the way the fondness and love they had for each other. It’s really cool.”

Woody Allen’s Personal Essay Honors Diane Keaton

Woody Allen, who worked closely with Diane on Annie Hall, wrote a heartfelt essay after her passing. He reflected on Diane’s magnetic presence and charm:

“Unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again, her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered.”

He expressed his personal feelings, confessing,

“She was so charming, so beautiful, so magical, that I questioned my sanity. I thought: ‘Could I be in love so quickly?’”

Woody concluded that the world feels less vibrant without her, but her films and laughter continue to inspire:

“Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.”

Nancy Meyers Remembers a Lasting Friendship

Nancy Meyers, who wrote and directed Something’s Gotta Give and had a nearly 40-year friendship with Diane, shared her grief and gratitude on Instagram. She wrote,

“As a movie lover, I’m with you all—we have lost a giant. A brilliant actress who time and again laid herself bare to tell our stories.”

Nancy described Diane as more than a collaborator:

“As a woman, I lost a friend of almost 40 years. At times over the years, she felt like a sister because we shared so many truly memorable experiences.”

She added,

“As a filmmaker, I’ve lost a connection with an actress that one can only dream of. We all search for that someone who really gets us, right? Well, with Diane, I believe we mutually had that.”

Recognizing Diane’s natural talent, Nancy concluded,

“Born to be a movie star. For me, knowing her and working with her changed my life. Thank you Di. I’ll miss you forever.”

Television Host Ellen DeGeneres Celebrates Diane’s Charm

Ellen DeGeneres, longtime daytime television host, shared a video compilation of Diane’s appearances on her show, openly admiring her as one of her greatest guests. Ellen wrote on Instagram,

“Diane Keaton was an icon- a hero of mine growing up. To be able to connect with her on my show over the years was so much fun. Always a surprise. always fun. She was one of a kind.”

Goldie Hawn Expresses Deep Loss for Close Friend

Goldie Hawn, who shared the screen with Diane in Town & Country, penned a heartfelt message recalling their close friendship. She said,

“You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination.”

She lamented saying goodbye to Diane, acknowledging her humility and unique presence:

“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.”

Goldie reminisced,

“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. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”

Songwriter Carol Bayer Sager Remembers Diane’s Radiance

Carol Bayer Sager, who wrote the song First Christmas for Diane, praised her bright energy and creativity. In a statement to People, Carol said,

“She was a magic light for everyone. I just loved her. She was so special, she just lit up a room with her energy.”

She added,

“She was happy and upbeat and taking photographs of everything she saw. She was completely creative; she never stopped creating.”

Ashley Padilla Pays Tribute to Her Mentor

Ashley Padilla, known for her work on Saturday Night Live and former assistant to Diane Keaton, shared a touching Instagram tribute:

“Diane, you are the best and I will be seeing you in everything.”

Mandy Moore Recalls Her Time with Diane

Mandy Moore, who acted alongside Diane in Because I Said So, honored her on Instagram. Reflecting on working with Diane as both a collaborator and a mother figure, Mandy wrote,

“They say don’t meet your heroes but I got to work with one of mine and even call her ‘mom’ for a few months. An honor of a lifetime.”

She added,

“What an incandescent human Di is and was. I am so sad she’s gone for all the reasons but also because it felt like she’d be here forever, dazzling us with her talent and charm (and her style, c’mon)!!! One of the very best to ever do it. All my love to her children and loved ones.”

Ongoing Tributes From Hollywood and Beyond

Many notable figures from film, television, and fashion have paid tribute to Diane Keaton’s incredible legacy. Among them, Michael Douglas expressed sadness over losing a cherished friend, writing,

“RIP to my friend Diane Keaton. A heartbreaking loss of one of the greatest icons in our industry. I have so many fond memories of working with Diane on our film And So It Goes nearly twelve years ago. Sending my deepest condolences to the Keaton family during this difficult time.”

Cynthia Nixon, recalling Diane as a lifelong inspiration since childhood, wrote,

“When I was a kid, Diane Keaton was my absolute idol. I loved her acting. I loved her vibe. I loved her everything. Starting with when I was 12, I tried to dress like her. I wore my hair long. I sported men’s hats and vests and (even though my eyes were fine) I wore bookish glasses because I thought they made me look more like her.”

She reflected fondly on their shared work, saying,

“A little more than a decade ago I got to be in a movie called Five Flights Up with her and it was like a dream come true. I was very shy around her, but I think she liked me and that meant everything to me.”

Sarah Jessica Parker called Diane a major source of inspiration for countless actresses:

“Diane Keaton has been a point of inspiration for countless actresses. I include myself among those who loved and admired her. I was very privileged to witness her singular skill and talent on both First Wives Club and The Family Stone.”

She added,

“I will cherish those memories on set as well her touching, delightful and perfectly own cinematic career. Which is a gorgeous legacy of an exquisite person. She will be terribly missed.”

Leonardo DiCaprio paid homage to Diane’s brilliance and humor early in his career:

“Diane Keaton was one of a kind. Brilliant, funny, and unapologetically herself. A legend, an icon, and a truly kind human being.”

Steve Martin shared a humorous anecdote about their friendship, reposting an exchange between himself and Martin Short where Diane replied, “I mean, you’re both idiots.” He added,

“Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”

Kate Hudson shared a brief but heartfelt message under a scene from First Wives Club:

“We love you so much Diane.”

Melissa Rivers reflected on Diane’s versatility, writing,

“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.”

Octavia Spencer celebrated Diane’s authenticity and influence, noting,

“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.”

She added,

“From Annie Hall to Something’s Gotta Give, she made every role unforgettable. But beyond the screen, she brought joy, laughter, and style that was all her own. Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that authenticity never goes out of fashion.”

Lauren Graham shared the impact Diane had on her creative journey, posting a personal letter from Diane that encouraged her to pursue writing:

“A few lines from a letter Diane Keaton wrote me years ago, when writing a book was just a dream of mine. Her work as an actor was an inspiration to me. Her encouragement changed my life.”

Elizabeth Banks highlighted Diane’s cultural and artistic influence, writing,

“She was beloved in her industry. Every one of us idolizes her. Her influence on culture, fashion, art and women can’t be overstated. She was a delight. I am proud I have a career that allowed me to meet her and breathe her air.”

Nia Vardalos described Diane as graceful and talented, calling her

“a comedy gal who set the bar high for all of us who came after.”

She concluded,

“Rest in peace sweet and funny Diane Keaton.”

Bette Midler expressed her sorrow, saying,

“The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, 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!”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley recalled her time working with Diane as a highlight of her life:

“Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”

Viola Davis expressed her disbelief and reverence on Instagram:

“No!! No!!! No!! God, not yet, NO!!! Man… you defined womanhood.

She continued,

The pathos, humor, levity, your ever-present youthfulness and vulnerability — you tattooed your SOUL into every role, making it impossible to imagine anyone else inhabiting them. You were undeniably, unapologetically YOU!!! Loved you. Man… rest well. God bless your family, and I know angels are flying you home.”

Luke Evans also shared his sadness, writing,

“What a very sad day. Rest in peace #dianekeaton. Such a brilliant actor, a kind heart and full of graciousness with a shining independent spirit.”

Josh Gad summed up Diane’s impact on film and culture as a monumental loss:

“Diane Keaton in many ways defined my love of movies. From Annie Hall to the Godfather films, from First Wives Club to Baby Boom, from Father of the Bride to Something’s Gotta Give, her resume was nothing short of iconic and hall of fame worthy. I was very fortunate to work with her many years ago on an unproduced HBO pilot, and what I found was one of the most humble, ruthlessly funny, and unbelievably talented human beings I’ve ever come across.”

He concluded,

“In many ways, this year will be defined by the loss of a Hollywood we will never again see. There simply are no replacements for a Gene Hackman or a Robert Redford or a Diane Keaton. They were the mavericks who helped redefine movies for a generation and losing them feels like also losing a chance to access that golden age just out of reach. My heart goes out to Diane’s entire family during this impossible moment. RIP.”

Zac Posen, a fashion designer, also expressed his respect, sharing,

“Diane Keaton is gone, and though I only knew her through the light she gave on screen, I’ll miss that light deeply.”

The Enduring Legacy of Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton’s passing has resonated deeply across the entertainment industry and beyond. Her career spanned decades, during which she captivated audiences with her unforgettable roles, distinctive style, and genuine personality. From iconic films such as Annie Hall and The Godfather trilogy to numerous collaborations with celebrated directors and actors including Woody Allen, Al Pacino, and Nancy Meyers, Diane left an indelible mark on cinema.

Her influence extended off-screen as well, where she served as a mentor and inspiration to younger actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Cynthia Nixon. Tributes from her peers reflect not only her professional brilliance but also her warmth, humor, and generosity. Andy Garcia’s reflection that Diane was “a unicorn” captures her rare, extraordinary presence among Hollywood greats.

As those who loved and admired her continue to share memories and celebrate her work, Diane Keaton’s legacy remains alive. Her originality, creativity, and authenticity will continue to inspire artists and audiences for years to come, ensuring her light shines ever brighter with time.