Many things set Diane Keaton apart. The way she chose her wardrobe. The way she leaned into odd roles. The way she never followed every Hollywood rule. Now her career — and her life — are being honored all over the world.
Humble Beginnings → Big Dreams
- Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946 in Los Angeles.
- Daughter of Dorothy Deanne (Keaton) and John Newton Ignatius “Jack” Hall. Her father was a civil engineer & real-estate broker; her mother, a homemaker and amateur photographer.
- Her early interest in acting was sparked by seeing her mother win a local “Mrs. Los Angeles” contest — the showiness of it all made Diane feel drawn to the stage.
Early Career & Breakout Roles
- After stage work (including on Broadway) and study in NYC, she entered film.
- Her first major film role: Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather (1972) — she landed the part because director Francis Ford Coppola wanted someone with a slightly “eccentric” quality.
- Her next big pivot: teaming up with Woody Allen — soon she starred in Annie Hall (1977), earning her first Academy Award for Best Actress.