Nancy Meyers has paid a touching tribute to Diane Keaton, reflecting on their decades of collaboration and close friendship.
The filmmaker wrote some of Keaton’s most beloved films, including 1987’s “Baby Boom,” 1991’s “Father of the Bride,” and 1995’s “Father of the Bride Part II.” Meyers later wrote and directed 2003’s Something’s Gotta Give, in which Keaton co-starred with fellow acting great Jack Nicholson.
“We have lost a giant,” Meyers, 75, wrote on Instagram on Monday. “An amazing actress who put herself out there again and again to tell our story.”
“As a woman, I lost a friend of almost 40 years. During those years, we shared so many truly memorable experiences that I felt like she was a sister at times,” she continued. “As a filmmaker, I lost a connection to an actress that I can only dream of.”
Meyers praised the Oscar-winning actress’ humor and vulnerability, noting how she and Keaton truly understood each other.
“She’s in deep,” Myers said. “And I think the people who worked with her know what I know… She made everything better. Every setup, every day, every movie, I saw her give it her all.”
Meyers concluded, “She was fearless and unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. She was born to be a movie star. Her laugh made my day. For me, knowing her and working with her changed my life. Thank you, Di. I will forever miss you.”
Keaton died Saturday in California. She was 79 years old.
Her cause of death is still unknown, but her friends told People magazine that the actress’ health had unexpectedly rapidly deteriorated in recent months.
“In her final months, she was surrounded by only her closest family, who chose to keep things private,” the source said. “Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was going on.”
Keaton leaves behind two children, daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25, whom she adopted in her 50s.
Although she never married, her famous former lovers are reportedly taking her death hard.
Woody Allen, who Keaton dated for several years starting in 1969, penned an emotional tribute to Keaton, writing, “A few days ago the world was a world that included Diane Keaton. Now it’s a world without. And therefore, it’s a worse world.”
Al Pacino, who dated Keaton on and off from 1974 to 1990, now regrets not marrying her, a friend of the actor told the Daily Mail.
“He will forever regret not acting when he had the chance,” the source said. “In the years since he and Diane broke up, Al used to say, ‘If you want to start over, it’s never too late to start over.’ But unfortunately, that’s the case now.”
“Looking back, Al admits that the love of his life was Diane, whom he always called ‘an amazing woman,'” the source added.
