I had just woken up at the ripe time of 11 a.m. Ready for my morning scroll session, it seemed like an average Saturday, until the first thing that appeared on my feed was anything but normal. The post I saw shocked me; it announced the recent death of the actress, philanthropist, and style icon Diane Keaton, clad in her usual flowing ensemble and wide-brimmed hat.
Throughout her career, Keaton has had what some might call an androgynous yet sophisticated style. Especially for someone of her time, the actress pushed beyond the boundary of the gender binary. Going to a charity event in Beverly Hills, 1993, she wore a green polka dot maxi dress complete with a white beanie, pearls, and a white pair of brogues.Personally, this is one of my favorite looks of hers. More recently, in 2022, Keaton attended the Ralph Lauren fashion show in San Marino, California, dressed in black high-waisted, wide-legged, tailored trousers paired with a white shirt and black blazer. The perfect addition to the look was a black hat, a signature accessory for the actress.
But besides personal style, Keaton always used her platform to campaign for her beliefs and the betterment of humanity. For over 20 years, she served on the board of directors of the Helen Woodward Animal Center and used her platform to advocate for the adoption of animals. And as someone who has volunteered at local animal shelters, I loved seeing a celebrity of her status advertising such an important cause. Additionally, the actress also used her voice to raise concern for the homeless population in Los Angeles. Evan J. Fox, the owner of the Los Angeles-based food trucks, Yeastie Boys Bagel, talked to the Daily Mail about how Keaton would participate and attend events with The People Concern, a non-profit that “empowers the most vulnerable among us to rebuild their lives.” Fox declared that, “Diane was at the charity events herself, feeding the unhoused herself as well as coming on the trucks to help myself and our staff hand out food and take pictures with us…On all of the calls that I took with her, she was always so sweet and gracious and so grateful for what we were doing, but in reality, Diane herself spearheaded everything. I take no credit other than supporting her charitable endeavors.”
According to the company owner, Keaton hired the food truck after she met Fox on a set while he was catering, and speaking of sets, Keaton’s many hit movies included “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003), “Father of the Bride” (1991), my personal favorite: “The Godfather” (1972), and “Annie Hall” (1977). At the 50th Academy Awards in 1978, Keaton even took home an Oscar for Best Actress in “Annie Hall” (1977). Later on, she received a Golden Globe in 2004 for best actress in a musical or comedy for “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003).
Keaton didn’t die without achievements, a loving family, and many admirers. Her legacy spans several movies, philanthropy, and two adopted children. There will be no more hilarious films or adventurous red carpet looks, and while I am still coming to terms with her death, I am sure that nobody will forget her.
Words by Erika Marquardt
Graphic by Connor Crankshaw