Al Pacino has publicly honored his late ex-girlfriend and ‘Godfather’ co-star Diane Keaton in a moving tribute, expressing that he was ‘shaken’ by her death and celebrating her as a woman who ‘lived without limits’ and profoundly influenced his life.
Al Pacino, the 85-year-old acting legend, broke his silence on the passing of Diane Keaton with a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline on October 16. He described feeling ‘shaken’ upon hearing the news and referred to Keaton as his ‘partner’ and ‘friend,’ someone who brought him happiness and shaped the course of his life on multiple occasions. Despite their romantic relationship ending over three decades ago, Pacino emphasized that the memories remain vivid and have resurfaced with intensity following her death, describing the experience as both painful and moving.
Pacino and Keaton first met on the set of ‘The Godfather’ in 1971, where he played Michael Corleone and she portrayed his wife, Kay Adams-Corleone. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life, on-again, off-again romance that spanned from 1974 to 1990. In a 2017 interview with People, Keaton recalled being ‘mad for him,’ describing Pacino as charming, hilarious, and gorgeous, with an aspect of a ‘lost orphan’ or ‘crazy idiot savant.’ Their connection deepened through collaborations in all three ‘Godfather’ films, cementing a bond that endured beyond their romantic involvement.
The relationship ultimately ended when Keaton issued an ultimatum over marriage, which Pacino was unwilling to commit to at the time. She later reflected that she ‘worked hard on that one’ but approached it imperfectly. Despite the breakup, the two maintained a close friendship, with Pacino honoring Keaton at her AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in 2017, telling her, ‘I remember it, and I love it, and I love you forever.’ This enduring respect highlighted the depth of their connection, which transcended their years apart.
Keaton died on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79 from primary bacterial pneumonia, as confirmed by her family and a death certificate. Her health had declined suddenly in her final months, with friends noting it was unexpected for someone known for her strength and spirit. She was surrounded by close family in her California home, and her passing was kept private, shocking many in Hollywood and beyond. The family expressed gratitude for the support and suggested donations to food banks or animal shelters in her memory, reflecting her lifelong passions.
In his tribute, Pacino praised Keaton’s boundless energy and creativity, stating she ‘lived without limits, and everything she touched carried her unmistakable energy.’ He highlighted her magnetic presence on screen, calling her ‘lightning and charm, hurricanes and tenderness,’ and a ‘wonder’ whose art extended beyond acting into various forms of imagination and expression. He noted that acting was her art but only one facet of her creative spirit, which inspired generations and opened doors for others in the industry.
Beyond their personal history, Pacino acknowledged Keaton’s lasting impact, noting that while people will miss her, they will remember her for leaving ‘a mark that cannot fade.’ He described her as unstoppable, resilient, and deeply human, concluding with the poignant line, ‘She could fly—and in my heart, she always will.’ This sentiment resonates with the outpouring of tributes from colleagues like Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin, who also celebrated her unique talent and eccentric charm, underscoring her status as an irreplaceable icon in entertainment.
As the industry mourns, Pacino’s words serve as a powerful reminder of Keaton’s enduring influence, from her Oscar-winning role in ‘Annie Hall’ to her advocacy for social causes. Her legacy will continue to inspire through her films and the memories shared by those who knew her, ensuring that her spirit lives on in the hearts of fans and friends alike.