Woody Allen is reportedly taking the death of ex-girlfriend Diane Keaton hard.
Keaton died in California at the age of 79. According to People magazine, director Keaton, 89, is “distraught” over her death.
“He is very distraught, surprised and upset,” a source told the show.
“It makes him think about his own mortality,” the source continued.
The actress’ health had unexpectedly and rapidly deteriorated in the months leading up to her death on Saturday, but sources said Allen was unaware of her ex-boyfriend’s health problems.
“He was surprised,” the source added.
Allen and Keaton met in 1969 when they appeared in Keaton’s Broadway show, Play It Again, Sam. Their relationship lasted only a few years, but they later starred together in several films, including 1977’s “Annie Hall.” Keaton won the Best Actress Oscar for her lead role in the classic comedy.
Keaton later defended Allen in 2018 after he was repeatedly accused of child molestation by Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter with ex-girlfriend Mia Farrow. Dylan’s allegations have come to light again in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
“Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe in him,” Keaton (now X) wrote on Twitter. “It might be interesting to watch the 1992 60 Minutes interview and see what you think.”
During the 15-minute interview mentioned by Keaton, Allen defended himself and denied allegations that Dylan molested him when he was 7 years old.
Keaton continued to be friends with Allen even after Allen’s relationship with Mia ended, as Allen had an affair with Mia’s adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn. Allen and Previn eventually married in 1997.
“She did not believe that any issues[involving the allegations against Allen]would overshadow the important work he did or the work they did together,” a source told People. “So she was always there for him, and he was always grateful for that. So he always felt close.”
“They were reportedly talking and communicating on the phone,” the source continued. “Every time she stood up for him, he would reach out to her and send her emails.”
Representatives for Mr. Allen did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Allen also publicly supported Keaton. He made a rare appearance at the 45th AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony in 2017 to honor her.
“From the moment I met her, she was a great, great inspiration to me,” Allen said of his longtime collaborator before introducing her at the event. “I definitely owe a lot of what I’ve accomplished in life to her. I was able to see life through her eyes.”
“She’s truly an amazing person,” he added. “This woman is amazing in everything she does.”
