Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning Actress, Dies at 79

**Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning Actress, Dies at 79** Diane Keaton, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films such as "Annie Hall" and "The Godfather," has passed away at the age of 79. Reports indicate she died in California surrounded by family. A family spokesperson confirmed her death but did not provide further details. Keaton's career spanned over six decades, during which she appeared in more than 60 films. She was celebrated for her unique style, often characterized by androgynous outfits, turtleneck sweaters, and her signature hats. She received multiple Academy Award nominations throughout her career. Notably, she was nominated for her performances in "Reds" (1981), "Marvin's Room" (1996), and "Something's Gotta Give" (2003). However, it was her role in "Annie Hall" (1977) that solidified her status as a leading actress. In a 2004 interview, Keaton described the film as "an idealized version of me." Keaton's portrayal of a quirky, insecure woman in "Annie Hall" earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. The film, directed by Woody Allen, was loosely based on their relationship. Her performance in the film and her role in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" (1977) garnered significant attention, landing her on the cover of Time magazine that September. In a tribute to her, Allen remarked, "The minute I met her she was a great, great inspiration to me. Much of what I've accomplished in my life I owe for sure to her. She's really astonishing." Beyond acting, Keaton was also a director, writer, and producer. She authored two memoirs, revealing personal struggles, including her battle with bulimia in her twenties. Keaton was known for her high-profile relationships with several leading men, including Allen, Warren Beatty, and Al Pacino. Reflecting on her romantic history, she noted, "Each man had a different decade. Woody was my twenties, Warren was my thirties and Al was borderline: late thirties/early forties." Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, she was the eldest of four children. To avoid confusion with another actress, she adopted her mother's maiden name. After a brief stint in college, she moved to New York to study acting, landing a role in the original Broadway production of "Hair" in 1968. Her breakthrough came with an audition for Allen's stage play "Play It Again, Sam," which led to a lifelong collaboration. Keaton's career evolved from youthful roles to portrayals of mature women facing family challenges. She collaborated with director Nancy Meyers on several successful films, including "Baby Boom" (1987) and the 1991 remake of "Father of the Bride." Despite her romantic history, Keaton never married. In a 2015 interview, she expressed her fears about relationships, stating, "I think I was really afraid of men and also very attracted to extremely talented people that were dazzling." In her later years, Keaton adopted two children, Dexter and Duke, which she described as giving her life a new purpose. "I was very heavily involved in myself forever. And this changes the whole landscape of your life," she said in a CBS News interview. Diane Keaton's legacy as a talented actress and a cultural icon will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.