Steve Martin Shares Rare College Throwback to Honor His Late Friend Diane Keaton

Steve Martin is remembering his dear friend and “Father of the Bride” co-star Diane Keaton most fittingly, through humor, warmth, and nostalgia. The 80-year-old actor shared a rare college throwback photo on Sunday, just one day after news broke that the Oscar-winning actress had died at age 79.

A Sweet-Nostalgic Throwback

“This playbill is from a 1964 college production of Carousel. Diane ‘Hall’ (Keaton) is the lead; I’m a stage hand,” Martin wrote alongside a photo of the vintage Santa Ana College Playbill. In the program, Keaton, listed under her birth name, Diane Hall, played Carrie Pipperidge, while Martin’s name appeared further down the cast list.

The sweet photo, showing both of their names circled, delighted fans who called the memory “nostalgic,” “beautiful,” and “so perfectly Steve.”

A Friendship Spanning Six Decades

Martin and Keaton’s friendship began long before Hollywood fame. They reunited decades later on the big screen as George and Nina Banks in the 1991 hit “Father of the Bride”, followed by its 1995 sequel, “Father of the Bride Part II”, and the 2020 reunion special, “Father of the Bride Part 3 (ish)”. Their effortless chemistry, a mix of wit and warmth, made the films instant classics and reflected the deep friendship they shared off-screen.

Just a day before posting the vintage college photo, Martin shared another heartfelt tribute that captured their humor and connection. He posted a screenshot from an Interview magazine chat between Keaton and their Father of the Bride co-star Martin Short.

In the exchange, Short jokingly asked, “Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?” to which Keaton quipped, “I mean, you’re both idiots.” Martin paired the post with the song “The Way You Look Tonight” by Steve Tyrell, writing, “Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”

The moment perfectly embodied their decades-long friendship, full of laughter, respect, and the kind of warmth that made their on-screen love story feel so real.

Remembering Keaton’s Light

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Turner)

Keaton’s death was confirmed by People on Saturday, October 11, by a spokesperson for her family. The statement asked for privacy as they mourned the beloved star, whose career spanned nearly six decades.

“She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,” a friend told People. “It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.”

The source added that Keaton was “surrounded only by her closest family” during her final months.

In addition to her unforgettable film roles in “Annie Hall”, “The First Wives Club”, and “Something’s Gotta Give”, Keaton was a devoted mother to her two children, Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25, both of whom she adopted later in life.

Her last Instagram post in April showed her playing with her beloved golden retriever, Reggie — a moment of quiet joy that perfectly reflected the actress’s warm and creative spirit.

There’s no better way to celebrate Diane Keaton’s brilliance than by streaming one of her timeless classics and reliving the magic she brought to every role. Here’s a list of her classic movies and all the streaming options.

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