What you need to know
Reese Witherspoon is remembering one of her most cherished mentors in Hollywood, Diane Keaton.
During an appearance at her agency Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event on Oct. 11, the 49-year-old actress shared her early memories with the late Annie Hall star, who died on Saturday, Oct. 11, in California at the age of 79.
“I was 15 years old, I was from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anyone,” Witherspoon said during a discussion with author Harlan Coben about her upcoming novel, “Gone Before Goodbye,” hours after PEOPLE revealed the news of Keaton’s death.
Witherspoon starred in the 1991 film Wildflowers, directed by Keaton. “I auditioned for her, and she looked at me afterward. I came in with this big country accent, and I was playing this little southern girl, and she says, ‘Who are you?'” she recalled.
“I said, ‘I’m Reese Witherspoon and I’m from Nashville, Tennessee,'” the mother of three continued. “And she said, ‘Are you making that up? Are you doing that accent?’ And I said, ‘No, ma’am.’ I’m from Nashville, Tennessee, and I’m here, and I’d love to be in your movie. ‘And she was like, ‘Well, you’re hired.’ You will be employed today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. I don’t know who you are, but I’m so excited to meet you. ” ”
Witherspoon starred in “Wildflower” with Patricia Arquette, Beau Bridges, William McNamara, and Susan Blakely.
Witherspoon said the support she received from Keaton at the time led her to consider this period “one of the most important summers” of her childhood.
Never miss a news. Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to human interest stories.
“She really took the time to pull me aside and say, ‘Stand up straight, okay? I want you to improve your posture. If you’re going to be an actress, you’ve got to improve your posture,'” Witherspoon explained. “I was like, ‘Okay, Mr. Keaton.’
While filming a particularly emotional scene for the film, Witherspoon recalled that the Oscar winner gave her nothing but honest advice that would shape the rest of her career.
Still, she added that what she likes most about Keaton is her originality. “From Annie Hall to The Godfather to Something’s Gotta Give, she’s truly an incredibly unforgettable and truly original character,” Witherspoon exclaimed.
“So to Diane, watch her movies, wear really cool and interesting clothes, in black and white. Take cool pictures and just live your dreams. Just be your unique and interesting self. I think Diane will be happy,” she continued.
