When did Diane Keaton make her motion picture debut? Complete career highlights explored amid 'Annie Hall' star's death at 79

Diane Keaton, one of the most respected names in Hollywood, made her motion picture debut in the 1970 romantic comedy Lovers and Other Strangers. Her career later shot to prominence, resulting in some of the most memorable performances in American film history. With her natural acting style and unforgettable screen presence, Keaton's work has shaped several generations of moviegoers.

Over a period of more than fifty years, Keaton had been a key figure in Hollywood comedies and dramas. She gained international fame and several nominations for various awards through her collaborations with notable directors such as Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola. Her death at the age of 79 has prompted a renewed examination of her work from the early years and the profound impact she had on the world.

Keaton developed her skills on the Broadway stage. This enabled her to effortlessly take on film work, whether it was romantic comedies, family dramas, or serious character roles.

Diane Keaton's early career and breakthrough roles

Diane Keaton began her career in theater, where she appeared in the 1968 Broadway musical Hair. The following year, she was in the spotlight when Woody Allen wrote a play titled Play It Again, Sam, which would later serve as the foundation for their future collaboration in movies. She debuted on the big screen soon after, when she featured in Lovers and Other Strangers in 1970.

Her first major movie hit came with The Godfather in 1972, when she landed the role of Kay Adams, the wife of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. The role gave her a global following and catapulted her to stardom. She returned in The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990), making her a notable component of one of the most famous franchises in the movie industry.

The key breakthrough was Annie Hall in 1977. The role earned her the Academy Award in the Best Actress category and established her reputation as one of the most accomplished actresses in Hollywood.

Read More: Diane Keaton's legacy: Five films you should watch to honor the legendary actress

Continued success and later career

Following Annie Hall, Diane Keaton continued to take on a diverse range of roles. She was also nominated for other Academy Awards, for movies such as Reds (1981), Marvin's Room (1996), and Something’s Gotta Give (2003).

Other notable movies in which she appeared include Baby Boom, Crimes of the Heart, The First Wives Club, and Father of the Bride. These films made her more popular with a wider audience and enabled her to sustain her success in the 1990s and 2000s. It was her appearance in The First Wives Club that particularly resonated with people, and she became a cultural icon of her era.

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Besides acting, Keaton experimented with other creative assignments. She filmed Heaven (1987) and Unstrung Heroes (1995), and also published books on photography, design, and personal commentaries. In 2024, she appeared in the comedy Summer Camp, marking her final film role.

Read More: "A rare and fascinating person": Mia Farrow honors late Diane Keaton despite past rift over Woody Allen

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