Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose wit, warmth, and singular style made her one of the most recognizable figures in American film, died on October 11 in California. She was 79.

She first came to national attention as Kay Adams in 1972 in The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola’s landmark portrait of family and power. Five years later she became an icon in Annie Hall, Woody Allen’s modern romantic comedy that seemed to capture an era and, in many ways, her own spirit. She won the Academy Award for that performance.

Her characters were eccentric, vulnerable, self-assured, and searching. She brought a rare blend of intelligence and spontaneity to her work in Reds, Marvin’s Room, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give.
She was also a writer, director, and photographer, a restless creative presence who never stopped reinventing herself. Her influence extended far beyond film: her offbeat sense of fashion, her humor, her voice, all became part of her legend.

She adopted two children later in life and spoke often about the joy and grounding they brought her.

Diane Keaton joined me several times. She was candid, funny, and unfailingly original, a woman entirely herself on camera and off.