Sarah Paulson Expresses Heartbreak Over Losing Close Friend Diane Keaton

The world mourns the loss of legendary actress Diane Keaton, who passed away on October 11 at age 79. Among those most deeply affected by her death is Sarah Paulson, who struggled to contain her emotions during recent interviews while paying tribute to her close friend and mentor. 

Sarah Paulson Breaks Down While Honoring Late Friend Diane Keaton

 Paulson made her first public appearance since her friend’s death at the world premiere of Hulu’s All’s Fair at the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles on October 16. The 50-year-old American Horror Story actress visibly fought back tears as she spoke to reporters about her profound loss. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the actress expressed the depth of her grief. “I was incredibly close to her,” she said while fighting back tears. 

She added, “And this is a profoundly sad time for me. I can’t talk about it in any way that’s articulate other than to say that for all you knew and loved about her as a performer, she was even more as a friend.” The raw vulnerability displayed by the actress underscored the genuine nature of her relationship with the Oscar-winning actress, revealing a friendship that transcended the typical Hollywood acquaintance.

The bond between Paulson and Keaton began in 1999 on the set of The Other Sister, where Diane Keaton portrayed her best friend’s mother in the Garry Marshall-directed drama. What started as a professional relationship quickly evolved into a lasting friendship that would endure for more than 25 years.

The family also suggested that those wishing to honor Keaton’s memory consider making donations to local food banks or animal shelters, reflecting her lifelong compassion for the unhoused community and her well-known love for animals. Keaton is survived by her two adopted children: daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25. The Oscar-winning actress was cremated on October 14, just three days after her passing.

Diane Keaton’s Mentorship and Lasting Impact

Per The NY Post, Keanu Reeves, the actress’s former co-star, praised her, saying that Diane Keaton was “a very special artist and person.” Previously recorded footage from Chanel’s Through Her Lens Luncheon in New York has resurfaced following Keaton’s death, showing Paulson’s deep admiration for her friend. In the clip, Paulson reflected on their initial meeting during her first major studio film. “She played my mother in a movie in my first sort of studio movie,”

Paulson explained in the footage. “It was a really thrilling experience, and she was the most generous, just playful, fun, alive performer, and really taught me the power of beats in a scene. And I was so scared, and she really took me under her wing and we’ve been really good friends ever since.” Paulson went on to praise Keaton as “a filmmaker as well. She’s a fashion icon. She’s an absolute iconoclast. And I feel very lucky to call her a dear friend.”

The entertainment community has rallied to honor Keaton’s memory, with numerous A-list celebrities sharing their tributes. Al Pacino, Keaton’s former romantic partner and “The Godfather” co-star, shared his memories with Deadline, stating, “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.”

Patricia Arquette, who appeared in the 1991 film “Wildflower” directed by Keaton, exclusively told The Post: “They just are never going to have another person on earth like her.” Arquette remembered Keaton as a “total artist” who had a “generosity of spirit” and “loved being a mom.” 

Final Thoughts

As Hollywood continues to process this significant loss, the emotional tributes from colleagues like Sarah Paulson remind audiences that, behind the glamour and acclaim, genuine human connections formed the foundation of Keaton’s most meaningful relationships. Her legacy lives on not only through her extensive filmography but through the lives she touched and the friendships she cultivated throughout her remarkable 79 years.