Diane Keaton was a pioneer for modern women, both on and off the screen

(CNN) — When Diane Keaton first appeared on screen in “Annie Hall,” the moment was revolutionary.

Playing the title character, she was the epitome of the modern woman that was being so intensely discussed during the 1970s, as feminists and supporters attempted to get the Equal Rights Amendment ratified to guarantee all Americans, no matter their gender, equal legal protections.

As Annie Hall, Keaton was quirky. She adopted a masculine style of dress, and went against Hollywood’s prototype, in that, while her character was part of a love story opposite the film’s co-writer, director and star, Woody Allen, she was far from just a love interest.

It’s how Keaton, who died at the age of 79 this week, lived in real life as well.

The star who helped define the modern woman won the Academy