When Bette Midler sat down on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, she wasn’t just there to reminisce about Hollywood glitz. She was there to share a deeply personal story—one that fans of The First Wives Club and the late Diane Keaton will never forget.

As news of Diane Keaton’s passing at age 79 continues to ripple through Hollywood and beyond, those who knew her best are reflecting on what made her so unique, so beloved, and so unforgettable. For Midler, her fondest memories with Keaton—and their mutual friend Goldie Hawn—were forged not at glamorous premieres, but in moments of pure, unfiltered joy on set.

“I Was Crying With Laughter”: The Magic of The First Wives Club

The 1996 comedy The First Wives Club has become a cult classic, celebrated for its wit, heart, and the electric chemistry between its three leads: Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler. For Midler, filming the movie wasn’t just another job—it was the highlight of her career.

“I have to say my favorite was [shooting] First Wives Club with [Keaton and Goldie Hawn], and we had so much fun on that [movie],” Midler recalled on Andy Cohen’s show. “I think that was the most fun I ever had because, those two girls between them, I was on the floor every single day. I mean, I was crying with laughter.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates with fans who remember the film’s sharp humor and sisterly bond. But for Midler, the laughter was more than just part of the script—it was a daily reality, a testament to Keaton’s infectious spirit.

The Irreplaceable Diane Keaton: “Nobody Could Do It”

Midler’s admiration for Keaton runs deep. “I’ve always adored her,” she shared, pointing to Keaton’s “uniqueness” and her ability to be “so completely who she was.” On set, Keaton’s signature giddy style—her iconic side-to-side head movement—became something of a legend.

“I used to go home and try to do that style that she had,” Midler said, attempting to imitate Keaton’s mannerisms. “I couldn’t do it. Nobody could do it. And I’ve seen a lot of people come close but nobody has ever done the true spirit that she used. She’s an extraordinary, extraordinary personality.”

Fans and colleagues alike have echoed Midler’s sentiments, remembering Keaton as a trailblazer with an unmistakable charm. Her authenticity and warmth made her a favorite not only on screen but behind the scenes, where friendships blossomed.

Why There Was Never a First Wives Club Sequel

Despite the film’s enduring popularity, fans have long wondered why The First Wives Club never received a sequel. Midler finally revealed the truth: it wasn’t for lack of trying.

“We tried and tried and tried. All of us tried,” Midler explained. “We got together, we tried, singly, doubly, triply. What I’m saying is we really tried. We got all sorts of producers involved, but there was something that was going on at Paramount … They just dug in their heels. They just didn’t feel like it. And we were really insulted.”

The disappointment was palpable, especially after seeing the success of films like Hocus Pocus, which eventually received a sequel decades later. For Midler, the lack of a follow-up to The First Wives Club was a missed opportunity—not just for the cast, but for the fans who cherished their on-screen camaraderie.

Diane Keaton’s Sudden Passing: A Heartfelt Goodbye

On October 11, Diane Keaton died of pneumonia at the age of 79. Her family, in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, asked for privacy during this time of “great sadness.” A source close to the family revealed that Keaton’s health “declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her.” Her passing was “so unexpected,” especially for someone with such “strength and spirit.”

The loss has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, prompting tributes from friends, co-stars, and admirers. Midler was among the first to honor Keaton, sharing a black-and-white photo of her friend on Instagram and writing, “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”

Goldie Hawn also posted a moving tribute, beginning with, “Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you.” She recalled their friendship, which blossomed during the making of The First Wives Club, starting each day with coffee in the makeup trailer and ending with laughter. “It was a roller coaster of love,” Hawn wrote. “We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends. Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows … maybe in the next life. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”

A Legacy of Laughter, Friendship, and Authenticity

Diane Keaton’s legacy is built on more than just awards and iconic roles. It’s defined by her authenticity, her humor, and the deep friendships she nurtured throughout her life. As fans revisit The First Wives Club and other classics, they’re reminded of the genuine connections that made those films so special.

For Midler, Keaton, and Hawn, the bond they forged on set was real—and it endured long after the cameras stopped rolling. Their stories of laughter, support, and perseverance offer comfort to those mourning Keaton’s loss and inspire a new generation to value friendship above fame.

The Heart of Hollywood: A Final Farewell

As Hollywood says goodbye to Diane Keaton, her friends and fans are left with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s the unforgettable laughter shared on set, the dreams of a sequel that never materialized, or the simple joy of friendship, Keaton’s spirit lives on in every story told.

Bette Midler’s reflections remind us that the true magic of Hollywood isn’t found in sequels or box office numbers—it’s in the bonds formed between people who care deeply for one another. As we celebrate Keaton’s life and legacy, we’re reminded that some friendships, like some stars, shine forever.