Diane Keaton passes away: Sudden death shocks Hollywood

Diane Keaton made up a pantheon of what the world knew as New Hollywood — a new wave movement centred in the American industry, marked by a distinctly fresh approach to filmmaking with auteur directors, unorthodox writers, and actors who were every bit subversive than their prim and polished predecessors.

With the passing of fellow new wave artists like Robert Redford and Gene Hackman earlier this year, Diane’s demise seems to have widened the void left in their wake only further.

Born Diane Hall, the legendary actress shot to fame in the 1970s with hits typical of the decade — The Godfather, Manhattan, Love and Death, among many other celebrated titles.

While Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, a riff on her birth name, became to Diane what perhaps the Godfather did to Al Pacino.

Cementing the status of the then rising star as a fashion icon, Diane won ample recognition and numerous awards for her performance as an eccentric, upbeat, typically New York gal.

As her passing was first reported and confirmed by PEOPLE, a spokesperson told the outlet, “There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness.”

However, a later report stated that the Academy Award winning artist’s health had suddenly taken a turn for the worse.

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

Though never married, Diane Keaton is survived by her two adopted children — her daughter and son, Dexter and Duke.