Woody Allen Remembers Diane Keaton as His Creative Muse

Woody Allen recalls meeting actress Diane Keaton in the late 1960s and being immediately drawn to her. He wrote that she was “charming, beautiful, and magical” and wondered if he could be in love so quickly. Their connection led to a creative partnership, with Keaton becoming an integral part of several of Allen’s films.

Keaton starred opposite Allen in his 1977 rom-com masterpiece “Annie Hall,” which won four Academy Awards, including best actress for her performance. She also appeared in eight other Allen movies, including “Manhattan” and “Interiors.” What’s notable is that Keaton was Allen’s most discerning critic, and he relied on her opinions when reviewing his work.

Despite facing abuse allegations, Keaton remained loyal to Allen, defending him on Twitter in 2018. In a remembrance published by The Free Press, Allen shared personal memories of their time together, including her struggle with bulimia and meeting her family for the first time. He concludes that her passing has left the world feeling “drearier,” but notes that her movies and laugh remain with him.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/movies/diane-keaton-woody-allen.html