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Woody Allen paid tribute to his muse and former romantic partner Diane Keaton following the legendary actress' death Saturday. Play video content

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

In an essay published by The Free Press ... Allen described how he first met Keaton shortly after she moved to his native New York. Getty

Allen wrote, "Fresh out of Orange County, she flew to Manhattan to act, got a job as a coat check girl, and was hired for a small part in the musical 'Hair,' in which she eventually had the lead."

Their first film collaboration, "Play It Again, Sam" came in 1972. Allen, who wrote the film, recounted how Keaton won him over for the role,

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