Al Pacino has shared how ‘deeply saddened’ and ‘shaken’ he is by the death of co-star and ex-partner Diane Keaton in an emotional statement.
It was announced by a family spokesperson last week that Annie Hall actress Keaton had died aged 79.
This week, Keaton’s family shared that she passed away from pneumonia on October 11.
Tributes have poured in following the star’s death, including from frequent collaborator Woody Allen, who said the world was a ‘drearier’ place without her.
Now, The Godfather star Pacino, 85, has written an emotional tribute for Deadline, expressing how much Keaton had influenced his life.
Keaton also famously dated Pacino, having starred alongside each other in The Godfather trilogy as the couple Kay Adams-Corleone and Michael Corleone.
‘I am deeply saddened by Diane Keaton’s passing,’ he began.
‘When I first heard the news, I was shaken. Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and on more than one occasion, influenced the direction of my life.
‘Though over thirty years has past since we were together, the memories remain vivid, and with her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving.’
He went on to say that the Book Club actor ‘lived without limits’ and that ‘everything she touched carried her unmistakable energy.’
‘She opened doors for others, inspired generations and embodied a once-in-a-lifetime gift that radiated through her work and her life,’ the Dick Tracy star continued.
‘On screen, she was magnetic — lightning and charm, hurricanes and tenderness. She was a wonder. Acting was her art, but it was only one of the many ways she expressed her imagination and creativity.
‘People will miss her, but more than that, they will remember her. She left a mark that cannot fade. She was unstoppable, resilient, and above all, deeply human.’
He concluded: ‘I will always remember her. She could fly — and in my heart, she always will.’
They began dating in 1974 before splitting in 1990 after Pacino allegedly refused to marry the actor after she gave him an ultimatum.
In the aftermath of Keaton’s death, a source close to Pacino has claimed the star regretted not tying the knot with Keaton.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, an insider said: ‘I know he will forever regret he didn’t make his move when he had the chance.
‘For years after he and Diane split, Al used to say, “If it’s meant to be, it’s never too late for a do-over.” But sadly, now it is.’
The source continued: ‘Looking back, Al admits the love of his life was Diane, who he’s always called “an amazing woman”.’
They also opened up about why Keaton and Pacino didn’t speak, despite living near each other in Beverly Hills, adding: ‘I once asked him why, and he told me, “There’s no need to talk with each other. We said everything that needed to be said at the time”.’
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