Whether you’re an avid movie watcher or a more casual one, the chances are, you’ve seen Diane Keaton in at least one film in the last 50 years. The woman with such unique style, a strong sense of humor, and a bright smile has graced our screens since the ‘70s. Ranging from roles in comedies, romances, and dramas – she did it all with precision and the knowledge of how to bring a character to life in a way only few others could. On Oct. 11, 2025, the movie industry lost another beloved icon. Now reminiscing over her legacy, we can take a look at where Keaton started, her iconic roles she’s known for, and the effect she’s had on the industry.
Keaton got her start when she moved to New York City in pursuit of acting and studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater. Five years later in 1968, she got her spot on Broadway in the original production of Hair. The directors of the show wanted her to take her clothes off towards the end of the first act in the play, to which she refused. Instead of submitting and agreeing to what they wanted in fear of still being a new and impressionable artist, she stood her ground and distinguished herself because she simply “didn’t see the point.” Onwards, she starred opposite Woody Allen in his Broadway production of Play It Again, Sam. From there, it was only up for the actress who was then nominated for a Tony.
Moving her sights from plays to movies, Keaton followed Allen as he made his directorial debut and included her in more of his projects. She starred in movies like Sleeper, Love and Death, and the famous Annie Hall in 1977. She was praised for the role in embodying a complex character that challenged the traditional roles that women usually play. Keaton went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress that year. Alongside her acting ability in the film, her sense of style was heavily noted as well. Throughout the film you can see Keaton wearing men’s vests, ties, and high-waisted trousers. She combined what was previously considered men’s pieces and put her own spin on it; this opened the door to many more fashion possibilities that we can still see are prevalent today. In her memoir Then Again from 2011, Keaton explains, “I did what Woody said: I wore what I wanted to wear, or rather, I stole what I wanted to wear from the cool-looking women on the streets of New York.” She left that movie with more than an Oscar – she revolutionized fashion with her androgynous style and individuality.
Keaton was also known for her role in The Godfather trilogy. As opposed to Annie Hall, where she was encouraged to put her own personality into the character, The Godfather movies were a different speed. She played one of the few female characters, Kay Adams-Corleone. Married to the son of a mob boss, Michael Corleone, her portrayal of Kay brought emotional depth and moral complexity to the film. It just shows the nuance of which she was capable of. When expressing her doubt in the part she played, film director Francis Ford Coppola said, “I chose you, because although you were to play the more straight / vanilla wife, there was something more about you, deeper, funnier, and very interesting.” He goes on to say he was right in his decision of choosing her; many fans of the cult classic would agree.
Besides her impact as an actor, then later a director, she will forever be known as a visionary and pioneer for women today. It’s undeniable that her comedic talent, quirky style, and warm personality made her a force to be reckoned with. She wasn’t afraid to embrace her individuality and be herself. Keaton broke norms and paved the way for others to follow in her path. She stands as a symbol to remind us to dream and be our unique selves, no matter what others think.