Film-maker Nancy Meyers has paid tribute to the late Diane Keaton, her “friend of almost 40 years” and collaborator on celebrated comedies including Something’s Gotta Give, Baby Boom and Father of the Bride.
On Monday, Meyers wrote on Instagram that she had had a difficult 48 hours since Keaton’s death was announced on Saturday, but “seeing all of your tributes to Diane has been a comfort.” She described the actress as a “giant” and a “brilliant actress who time and again laid herself bare to tell our stories.”
Meyers reflected on their personal and professional bond, stating: “As a woman, I lost a friend of almost 40 years – at times over those years, she felt like a sister because we shared so many truly memorable experiences. As a filmmaker, I’ve lost a connection with an actress that one can only dream of.” She credited Keaton with making her better as a writer, noting that Keaton “really got me” and brought vulnerability and hilarity to every role.
Meyers also praised Keaton’s work with other directors such as Woody Allen and Warren Beatty, saying she “made everything better. Every set up, every day, in every movie, I watched her give it her all.” She concluded: “Thank you Di. I’ll miss you forever.”
Keaton died on Saturday at the age of 79. She won the best actress Oscar for Annie Hall and was nominated three more times, including for her performance in Meyers’ 2003 film Something’s Gotta Give. Allen also paid tribute, writing that Keaton was “unlike anyone the planet has experienced.”
