Diane Keaton Reflects on Her Long Friendship with Woody Allen

Diane Keaton, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like Annie Hall and The Godfather, recently reflected on her enduring friendship with filmmaker Woody Allen. This comes in light of a tragic event—Keaton’s passing was confirmed on October 11, 2023, at the age of 79 in California. As fans remember her numerous iconic performances, discussions surrounding her relationship with Allen have resurfaced, especially amid ongoing allegations against him.

Keaton and Allen first crossed paths in 1969 when she auditioned for a role in his stage play, Play It Again, Sam. Their connection quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship that reportedly lasted between three to five years. In a 1996 interview with The New Yorker, Keaton expressed her admiration for Allen, stating, “He could always get the girls, you know… Girls have always liked him and had crushes on him because he’s so funny and talented.”

Their partnership extended beyond romance, as they collaborated on a remarkable eight films, including Manhattan, Radio Days, and Manhattan Murder Mystery. In his 2020 memoir, Apropos of Nothing, Allen acknowledged their creative synergy, noting, “I still consult her on casting sometimes or any creative problems I might be struggling with.”

Despite the critical acclaim surrounding their projects, including Keaton’s Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Annie Hall, Allen often expressed uncertainty about the reception of his films. “He would say, ‘It’s just another sitcom,’” Keaton recalled in a People interview in 2017, emphasizing her belief in the strength of their scripts.

In 2018, Keaton publicly defended Allen against longstanding allegations of sexual assault, sharing a clip of his 1992 60 Minutes interview on social media. She stated, “Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him. It might be of interest to take a look at the 60 Minutes interview from 1992 and see what you think.”

Their relationship extended to Keaton’s family as well, with Allen having dated her sisters, Robin and Dory. In a 1996 interview, Allen remarked, “I became interested in her sisters and her mother as people.” He further elaborated in his memoir, describing his brief romances with both sisters as “little flings,” acknowledging the beauty and depth of the entire Keaton family.

As the legacy of Diane Keaton continues to resonate through her work, her reflections on her friendship with Woody Allen provide insight into a complex relationship marked by artistic collaboration and personal connection. As fans and colleagues commemorate her life, the discourse surrounding her friendships in Hollywood remains a focal point of discussion.