Andy Garcia Shares What Made Diane Keaton a “Unicorn”

Andy Garcia will forever be a fan of Diane Keaton.

Nearly three weeks after the Academy Award-winning actress passed away at 79 following a bout with pneumonia, a former co-star from The Godfather Part III and Book Club shared memories of her kindness and unique personality.

Andy described someone as a “unicorn” during an interview with Erin Lim Rhodes of TopMob News at the 5th annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television in Los Angeles on October 24th. He explained that this person possessed a truly special and original spirit that was difficult to put into words, calling them an “American original.”

The 69-year-old actor said he was honored to have worked with her on numerous occasions, most recently in the 2023 film Book Club: The Next Chapter, calling it a “great blessing.”

Soon after Diane’s death, Andy—who received the Vanguard award at the 5th annual event—posted several photos of her on Instagram. He told TopMob he’d taken the pictures while filming The Godfather Part II in Sicily.

He remembered having the photos in an old album. His wife pointed them out, saying, ‘Look at these pictures you took of Diane.’

The actor, known for his role in Ocean’s Eleven, also posted a touching message remembering his late colleague, saying, “Diane, we’ll miss you so much, but your beautiful spirit will always be remembered.”

He shared more about why he appreciates working with his frequent costar in a new Instagram post, describing her as someone who is refreshingly spontaneous and original – qualities he believes everyone should aim for.

“I was blessed to be in her light,” he added. “I will carry it with me forever.”

Andy wasn’t the only one who adored Diane. Al Pacino, who worked with her on all three Godfather movies, also wrote a touching tribute to her.

In a tribute shared with Deadline on October 16th, Al Pacino described being deeply affected by the news of Diane Keaton’s passing. He remembered her as a close friend and partner who brought joy to his life and helped shape his path.

Al and his former partner had a complicated relationship that spanned from 1974 to 1990. Even after more than three decades apart, Al says his memories of her are still incredibly clear and her recent passing has brought those memories back with powerful, bittersweet emotion.

The 85-year-old described her as strong, able to bounce back from anything, and fundamentally human. She wrote that she’d never forget her, and that to her, she’ll always embody a sense of freedom and possibility.

For more touching tributes to Diane, keep reading.

Diane’s Book Club costars each shared individual tributes for the late actress.

The Elf actress emphasized that her late friend was “magic.”

She wrote in a statement that there will never be another person quite like her. She shared that she loved her and was grateful for their friendship, and sent her love to the family, describing her as a truly wonderful person.

I still can’t quite wrap my head around the news of Diane’s passing. She just radiated joy – always laughing at herself and brimming with creativity. It wasn’t just her acting, though she was incredibly talented; it was everything about her – her amazing style, her love of books, the people she surrounded herself with, even the way she decorated her homes. She was truly one of a kind. And honestly, though she’d probably deny it, she was a phenomenal actress. I’ll miss her so much.

Meanwhile, Candice wrote in her post, “This is a huge loss, both personally and for all of us.”

The Miss Congeniality actress shared, “Diane was a remarkably talented and versatile artist, but also a humble and wonderfully quirky person. I’m going to miss her very much.”

The Big Little Lies star spoke highly of Diane, calling her a significant figure, and fondly remembered working with her on the 1992 TV film Wildflower, which Diane directed.

Reese shared that a woman was one of her earliest professional guides. Speaking at an event in October, Reese explained that she was just 15 years old and new to the industry, having moved from Nashville, Tennessee, without any connections.

She remembered someone taking the time to give her a simple but important piece of advice: ‘Stand up straight. Good posture is crucial, especially if you want to be an actress, so you need to work on it.’

As a little tribute to the incredible Diane, I always suggest we honor her memory by doing something she loved – enjoying one of her films! And to really capture her spirit, why not put together a striking black and white outfit? Snap a photo – something fun and expressive – and most importantly, embrace your own unique self and chase your dreams. I truly believe that’s what would make Diane smile. Sending her peace and wishing everyone a little inspiration to live authentically.

The actor known for The Matrix fondly remembered working with Diane Keaton on the 2003 film Something’s Gotta Give.

Keanu Reeves described the artist as a “total pro” in a statement to TopMob News on October 13th. He said she was kind and generous, calling her a truly special and unique individual.

He’ll always remember the special opportunity to work with Jack Nicholson in the movie, which was both written and directed by Nancy Meyers.

Keanu said it was wonderful to see her and Jack Nicholson together, given their shared history and the obvious affection they had for one another. He thought it was truly special.

Diane’s Annie Hall costar penned an essay in her honor after news of her passing.

In an essay for The Free Press, Woody described her as someone truly unique – a person the world hadn’t seen before and likely wouldn’t see again. He wrote that her smile and laughter brightened every room, and she was so captivatingly beautiful and charming that he wondered if he was falling in love with her almost immediately.

Woody said the world felt more depressing without Diane, but he finds comfort in watching her films and remembering her wonderful laugh.

The Something’s Gotta Give writer-director paid tribute to her longtime collaborator and friend.

Nancy shared on Instagram that, as a fellow movie fan, she’s deeply saddened by the loss of a truly remarkable actress. She described the actress as incredibly talented and fearless, always willing to be vulnerable to bring stories to life.

I lost a friend of nearly forty years, someone who felt like a sister because of all we shared. As a filmmaker, I’ve also lost a truly special actress – the kind you always hope to find. We all look for people who truly understand us, and I believe Diane and I had that connection with each other.

Nancy remembered Diane as someone naturally destined for stardom. She shared that getting to know and work with Diane had a profound impact on her own life, adding a heartfelt, ‘Thank you, Diane. I’ll miss you always.’

The talk show host shared a video highlighting all of Diane’s appearances on her program, and revealed Diane was one of her most beloved guests.

Ellen shared on Instagram that Diane Keaton was a childhood idol. She loved having Diane on her show over the years, describing their conversations as fun and full of surprises. Ellen considers Diane to be truly unique.

Goldie was overcome with emotion when speaking about her Town & Country colleague, saying they left behind a beautiful legacy of joyful moments and unforgettable memories. She struggled to express her sadness, admitting there were no words to describe how heartbroken she felt. Knowing he disliked compliments, she playfully said he couldn’t tell her to be quiet now, and insisted there would never be another person quite like him.

Goldie shared that they had playfully planned to grow old together, and even imagined sharing their lives with each other’s friends someday. While they never ended up living together, they did grow old side-by-side. She fondly said, ‘Maybe we’ll get that chance in the next life,’ and added a heartfelt, ‘I’m going to miss you terribly, my friend.’

Carol, the author of “First Christmas,” shared that Diane was a radiant presence in people’s lives. “I adored her,” Carol said in a statement to People. “She had a remarkable energy that could brighten any space. She was always joyful, enthusiastic, and loved capturing moments through photography. She was endlessly creative and never stopped making things.”

As someone who’s seen a lot of incredible people, let me tell you, Diane Keaton is truly special. I actually used to work as her assistant, and she was just the best. When I heard the news, I shared on Instagram how I feel – I know I’ll see her influence everywhere I look, in everything beautiful and inspiring.

I was so touched to see Mandy, who I loved in ‘Because I Said So’ with Diane, share such a beautiful and personal message about Diane on Instagram. It was a really lovely tribute.

Mandy shared that she had the incredible opportunity to work with and become close to someone she deeply admired, even affectionately calling her ‘mom’ for a while. She described it as a lifetime honor, praising Di as a radiant and talented person. Mandy expressed profound sadness at her passing, feeling as though Di’s vibrant spirit and talent seemed eternal. She sent her love and condolences to Di’s family and friends, recognizing her as one of the greatest performers of all time.

He announced the passing of the wonderful Diane Keaton on social media, expressing how much she will be missed. He described her as a truly original and exceptional artist – one of a kind – and said her legacy will live on.

He added that her impact would only grow stronger over time, describing her as a shining example of creativity and authenticity – something everyone hopes to achieve. He felt fortunate to have known her and said he would always cherish her memory.

He shared the sad news of Diane Keaton’s passing on Instagram, calling her a heartbreaking loss and one of the greatest figures in the entertainment industry. He fondly remembered working with her on the film And So It Goes almost twelve years ago, and sent his heartfelt sympathy to the Keaton family.

Kristin Davis shared that Diane Keaton was her childhood idol. She admired Keaton’s acting and overall style so much that, starting around age twelve, she tried to copy her look. Davis grew her hair long, wore men’s hats and vests, and even wore non-prescription glasses, hoping to look more like her favorite actress.

About ten years ago, I had the chance to act in a film called Five Flights Up with her, and it was a dream. I was quite shy around her at the time, but I felt like she liked me, and that meant the world to me.

Diane Keaton has inspired so many actresses, and I’m definitely one of them. I was lucky enough to see her incredible talent firsthand while working with her on both First Wives Club and The Family Stone.

She shared that she would always treasure the memories they made on set, as well as the beautiful and unique career of the person being remembered. It was a wonderful legacy left by a truly special individual, and she will be deeply missed.

The actor fondly recalled working with Diane Keaton when he was starting out, describing her as a uniquely talented, hilarious, and authentic person. He praised her as both a legend and a genuinely kind individual.

The comedian posted a picture of an article featuring a funny exchange with Diane. Martin Short playfully asked her, “Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?” and she jokingly responded, “You’re both idiots.”

Steve shared a post with the caption, “I’m not sure where this originally came from, but it perfectly describes how wonderful our relationship with Diane is.”

Under a scene from First Wives Club, Kate wrote on social media, “We love you so much Diane.”

In an Instagram post, the author shared fond memories of Diane Keaton, praising her incredible range as an actress. From serious roles like Kay in The Godfather to the quirky and award-winning Annie Hall, Keaton’s talent always seemed boundless. The author also recalled a heartwarming personal touch: Keaton called their mother after the release of her documentary, A Piece of Work, simply to express her appreciation. Keaton’s passing will be deeply felt.

She described Diane Keaton as a truly unique and inspiring person. Keaton wasn’t simply an actress, but a powerful presence who demonstrated the strength in embracing your authentic self.

From films like Annie Hall and Something’s Gotta Give, she created truly memorable characters. More than just an actress, she brought a unique sense of joy, humor, and style to everything she did. Thank you, Diane, for showing us the enduring power of being yourself.

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! Lauren Graham just shared the sweetest letter online – it was from Diane Keaton, her co-star in Because I Said So! And get this – that letter actually inspired her to write her first book! I’m seriously obsessed with Lauren and this just proves she’s the most amazing person ever. It’s so cool to see where her writing journey began, all thanks to Diane! I’m dying!

She shared a photo of a letter Diane Keaton sent her years ago, when she was first hoping to become a writer. Keaton’s acting had always inspired her, and the letter’s kind words truly made a difference in her life.

Elizabeth shared on Instagram that the woman was deeply admired throughout her field. Everyone looked up to her, and her impact on culture, fashion, art, and especially women, was enormous. Elizabeth described her as a joy to be around, and expressed gratitude that her work had given her the chance to know her.

Nia Vardalos, star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, shared a heartfelt tribute to Diane Keaton on Instagram, praising her grace, style, and talent. Vardalos described Keaton as a hilarious comedian who raised the standard for those who followed, and wished her rest in peace.

Bette shared on Instagram that Diane Keaton, whom she described as brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary, has passed away. She expressed immense sadness, praising Keaton’s humor and genuine personality. Bette noted Keaton was refreshingly original and lacked the typical competitive spirit often found in stars, being exactly as she appeared to the public.

In an Instagram post, the actor from Father of the Bride shared that working with Diane was a true joy and a standout moment in his career. He praised her unique personality and expressed gratitude for her kindness, generosity, talent, and especially her wonderful sense of humor.

Oh no, not yet! It’s heartbreaking. You truly embodied what it meant to be a woman—with your emotional depth, humor, lightness, and enduring youthful spirit. You poured your heart and soul into every character you played, making them uniquely yours. You were wonderfully, authentically yourself. I loved you so much. Rest in peace, and my thoughts are with your family. I believe you’re being welcomed home by angels.

He shared on Instagram how saddened he was to hear about Diane Keaton’s passing, describing her as a brilliant actor with a kind and gracious spirit, and celebrating her independent nature.

He shared on Instagram how deeply saddened he was by the news, writing, “What a monumental loss.” Diane Keaton, he explained, was a huge influence on his love for film, citing her memorable roles in movies like Annie Hall, The Godfather, First Wives Club, Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, and Something’s Gotta Give as proof of her legendary career.

Josh also recalled working with Keaton years ago on a project that never aired, describing her as incredibly humble, hilarious, and talented.

He went on to say that this year feels marked by the loss of a classic Hollywood era, noting that there will never be anyone to replace stars like Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, or Diane Keaton. He felt their unique contributions shaped movies for an entire generation, and losing them feels like losing a connection to a precious, bygone time. He finished by sending his condolences to Keaton’s family during this difficult time and wished her rest in peace.

The designer announced on Instagram that Diane Keaton had passed away, sharing that even though they only knew her through her films, they would greatly miss her presence and talent.

2025-10-25 03:49

Read More