Over the weekend, we reported that the Oscar-winning Hollywood star Diane Keaton had died at the age of 79. Now, insiders are claiming that Keaton’s ex-boyfriend and former collaborator Woody Allen is “extremely distraught” over her death.
Allen ‘Extremely Distraught’ Over Keaton’s Death
“He is extremely distraught and surprised and upset” about the news of Keaton’s death, a source told People Magazine. This insider added that “it makes him think of his own mortality.”
Though it had been nearly sixty years since they had broken up, Allen and Keaton “remained friends” over the years.
“He appreciated her very much,” the source stated.
According to this insider, Allen had no idea that Keaton’s health was declining.
“Nobody seemed to know,” the source explained. “He was surprised.”
Allen And Keaton’s History
Allen and Keaton began dating in 1969. At the time, she was starring on Broadway in his show “Play It Again, Sam,” which she scored a Tony nomination for.
Allen and Keaton broke up a few years later. However, this didn’t stop them from starring together in Allen’s 1977 movie Annie Hall. Keaton won the Oscar for Best Actress for playing the title role in this movie, which also won Best Picture. Indeed, Annie Hall is still widely regarded to this day as one of the best romantic comedies of all time.
Keaton went on to work with Allen on three more movies: 1978’s Interiors, 1979’s Manhattan and 1993’s Manhattan Murder Mystery.
Keaton later stood by Allen in 2018 when it was revealed that he’d been accused of repeatedly molesting his daughter, Dylan Farrow, whom he shared with ex-girlfriend Mia Farrow. Allen has long denied these allegations.
“Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him,” Keaton wrote on Twitter, now X, at the time. “It might be of interest to take a look at the 60 Minute interview from 1992 and see what you think.”
Keaton ‘Always Stood By’ Allen
A source close to Allen claimed that Keaton “didn’t believe that any problems [involving the allegations against Allen] overshadowed the important work that he did and the work they did together.”
“So she always stood by him,” the insider explained. “He was always grateful for that. So he always felt close. “
“I’m told they used to talk on the phone and communicate,” the source continued. “Every time she stood up for him, he would reach out to her and text.”
Keaton had previously praised Allen in a 2014 interview.
“He’s the strongest person I’ve met in my life,” Keaton told The Guardian at the time. “He’s made of steel. And talk about a work ethic — he’s one of the people that really did teach me that you have to work hard. But he wanted to. He’s the most disciplined person I’ve known, with the exception of my dad .”
“But his discipline is a constant, whereas when my dad retired, I think he lost sight of what he was doing. This guy? He’s going to be practicing that clarinet and touring with his band and making his one movie a year until they push him — he’s never going to stop,” she gushed. “Who in the history of movies has done that? He’s 78, he makes a movie a year and he has total control. How is that possible?”
When asked about the child molestation accusations that were being made against Allen, Keaton simply replied, “I have nothing to say about that. Except: I believe my friend.”
Allen Praises Keaton
As for Allen, who has always been extremely private, he honored Keaton during a rare public appearance at the 45th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony in 2017.
“The minute I met her, she was a great, great inspiration to me,” Allen said during his speech at this event. “Much of what I’ve accomplished in my life I owe, for sure, to her. Seeing life through her eyes. She really is astonishing. This is a woman who is great at everything she does.”
Keaton died on Saturday, October 11, at the age of 79. At the time of this writing, no official cause of death has been given, and her family has asked for privacy.
Whether you like Allen as a person or not, it can’t be denied that he and Keaton created some of the best movies of all time together. Please join us in saying a prayer for all of Keaton’s loved ones during this tragic time.
Rest in peace, Diane Keaton.