Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved stars. Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose unique charm and infectious spirit lit up both the screen and the hearts of those around her, has died at the age of 79 from pneumonia, her family confirmed.

In a heartfelt statement shared with People Magazine, the Keaton family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming messages of love and support received in the days following Diane’s passing on October 11. “She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her,” the statement read.

The family, who also confirmed her death to NBC News last week, requested privacy as they grieve, offering no further details but inviting the world to remember Diane not just for her legendary career, but for her generosity and compassion.

From California Dreamer to Broadway Breakout

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Diane Keaton’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. After dropping out of drama school in California, the young dreamer packed her bags and moved to New York City, determined to carve her own path. It was there, on Broadway, that she landed her first breakout role in Woody Allen’s “Play It Again, Sam,” a performance that would set the stage for an extraordinary career.

Keaton’s talent and magnetic presence quickly caught Hollywood’s attention. In 1974, she starred opposite Al Pacino in “The Godfather,” a role that solidified her status as a rising star. But it was her collaboration with Woody Allen in the 1977 classic “Annie Hall” that truly made history. Portraying the quirky, endearing Annie, Keaton won her first and only Academy Award for Best Actress and left an indelible mark on American cinema.

A Prolific Career and Unforgettable Roles

Diane Keaton’s filmography reads like a love letter to creativity and originality. From the comedic brilliance of “The First Wives Club” and “Something’s Gotta Give” to her dramatic turns in “Marvin’s Room” (alongside Meryl Streep and a young Leonardo DiCaprio), Keaton’s versatility and fearless approach made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike.

Her style—marked by turtlenecks, wide-brimmed hats, and a playful disregard for Hollywood norms—became iconic. Off-screen, she was known for her warmth, wit, and a laugh that could light up any room. Friends and colleagues often described her as “limitlessly creative,” a sentiment echoed by Jane Fonda, who starred with Keaton in the 2018 film “Book Club.”

“She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative … in her acting, her wardrobe, her books, her friends, her homes, her library, her worldview,” Fonda wrote in a moving Instagram tribute.

Mentor, Mother, and Advocate

Beyond her cinematic achievements, Diane Keaton’s legacy is defined by her kindness and advocacy. She was a passionate supporter of animal welfare and the unhoused community, often using her platform to raise awareness and encourage charitable giving. Her family’s request for donations in her memory to food banks and animal shelters is a testament to the causes closest to her heart.

Keaton’s generosity extended into her personal life as well. She adopted two children, Dexter and Duke, in her 50s, embracing motherhood with the same openness and humor that characterized her career. Friends recall her as a devoted parent, fiercely protective and endlessly loving.

Reese Witherspoon, who met Keaton as a teenager while auditioning for the Keaton-directed film “Wildflower,” described her as a mentor and inspiration. “She is just incredible and indelible and just a truly original person,” Witherspoon said in a recent interview, recalling Keaton’s encouragement and guidance during the early days of her own career.

A Life Remembered in Hollywood and Beyond

Diane Keaton’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry. Social media feeds have filled with memories, film stills, and quotes celebrating her humor, authenticity, and enduring influence.

At the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where Keaton’s handprints and footprints are immortalized in cement, fans gathered over the weekend to lay flowers and share stories. Many spoke of her ability to make everyone feel seen and valued—a rare gift in the fast-paced world of show business.

Colleagues remembered her as a consummate professional, always prepared and endlessly inventive. Directors praised her willingness to take risks, to embrace the unexpected, and to bring a sense of wonder to every role. For many, Keaton was not just a star, but a friend, mentor, and beacon of hope.

A Final Tribute

As Hollywood reflects on Diane Keaton’s remarkable life, her family’s words resonate: “She was always a spark of life and light.” Whether through her unforgettable performances, her advocacy, or her loving relationships, Keaton’s impact will continue to inspire generations.

In honoring her memory, fans and friends alike are reminded to celebrate creativity, kindness, and the courage to be original. Donations to food banks and animal shelters in her name ensure that her spirit of generosity lives on.

Diane Keaton is survived by her daughter, Dexter, and son, Duke, and by the countless people whose lives she touched—on screen and beyond.

For those who wish to pay tribute, sharing a favorite Diane Keaton moment or supporting causes she championed is a fitting way to say goodbye to a true Hollywood original.