Bette Midler, Steve Martin, Viola Davis And More Pay Tribute After Diane Keaton’s Death

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News broke on Saturday morning that Diane Keaton, the Academy Award-winning actress known for hits like *Annie Hall* and *First Wives Club*, has passed away at age 79. Hollywood is filled with heartfelt tributes from those who admired and worked with her. Friends and colleagues, including Bett Midler and Steve Martin, fondly remember their experiences with her on set.

We’ll start with Bette Midler, who starred with Keaton in The First Wives Club back in 1996. She was quick to go on Instagram to say this:

It’s with immense sadness that I share the news of Diane Keaton’s passing. She was a truly gifted and unique performer – funny, genuine, and refreshingly free of the typical competitive spirit you might expect from someone so famous. She was exactly as she appeared – wonderfully authentic.

Goldie Hawn hasn’t yet spoken publicly about the loss as of this writing, but her daughter, Kate Hudson, shared a memorable clip from Diane Keaton’s work in *The First Wives Club* to honor her impact as an actress. You can see the post here:

The First Wives Club is packed with memorable lines, and Diane Keaton’s performance is truly unforgettable.

Steve Martin, another well-known colleague of Diane Keaton, also honored her after her death with a humorous post. He shared the following message shortly after the news was announced:

In 2020, Steve Martin and Diane Keaton got back together with their co-stars from *Father of the Bride* for a good cause, and appeared to enjoy the reunion. True to form for the comedian, Martin shared a heartwarming and positive memory of the late actress.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who played their daughter in those movies, wrote this in an Instagram post:

Working with Diane was honestly a career highlight for me. She’s truly special – one of those people who just makes everything better. I feel so lucky to have crossed paths with her, and I’ll always cherish her kindness, her incredible talent, and especially her amazing laugh. I’m really going to miss her. ❤️

Along with being in a lot of rom-coms and becoming a great director while still being an actor, Keaton played a lot of mom roles over the years, including in 2007’s Because I Said So with Mandy Moore. The This Is Us actress also penned a tribute to the late star, writing on Instagram:

It’s often said you shouldn’t meet your heroes, but I was incredibly lucky to work with and even consider one of mine, Di, like a mother for a while. It was a true honor. She was such a radiant and captivating person. I’m heartbroken by her passing, not just for the world’s loss, but because she seemed like a constant, shining presence. She was one of the greatest performers ever. Sending all my love to her family and friends.

Keaton is survived by her children, Duke and Dexter, whom she adopted in her 50s. The actress never married. Keaton’s The Book Club co-star Jane Fonda also took to Instagram to say this:

It’s difficult to process the news of Diane’s passing. She had an incredible energy and a joyful spirit, always able to laugh at herself. She was endlessly creative – whether through acting, her unique style, her love of books, the people she surrounded herself with, or the way she saw the world. Diane was truly one of a kind, and a remarkably talented actress, even if she didn’t realize it herself.

Another fellow Oscar winner, Viola Davis, who never got to work with her, wrote this on Instagram following the news:

Oh no… not yet! It’s hard to believe this is happening. You truly embodied what it means to be a woman – with such depth, humor, and a timeless spirit. You poured your heart and soul into every character you played, making each one uniquely yours. You were authentically, wonderfully you, and I loved you dearly. Rest peacefully. Sending love and blessings to your family, and I believe you’re being welcomed home with open arms. 💔💔💔

Similarly, Rosie O’Donnell sent all the love to Keaton’s family after hearing the news, which was originally reported by People. In her words on Instagram:

oh this breaks my heart – love to her children- what style what grace – she will be missed

Here’s one more tribute from Octavia Spencer on Instagram. Clearly, a lot of women (inside and outside of Hollywood) really looked up to Diane Keaton:

We’re deeply saddened by the loss of a truly unique talent. Diane Keaton was more than just an actress – she was a captivating presence. She demonstrated the power of being true to yourself, and brought that authenticity to every role, from ‘Annie Hall’ to ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ making them all memorable. Beyond her performances, she radiated joy, laughter, and a distinctive style. Thank you, Diane, for showing us that being genuine is always timeless. 🤍

We currently have limited information about Diane Keaton’s death. We know she passed away in California, and the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to her home around 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 11th.

The team at TopMob extends its deepest sympathies to Diane Keaton’s family, friends, and all those who admired her.

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2025-10-12 03:13