Reese Witherspoon tears up as she pays tribute to ‘mentor’ Diane Keaton on stage after the legendary actress’s death aged 79

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Reese Witherspoon teared up as she paid tribute to her ‘mentor’ Diane Keaton on stage.

The celebrated actress died on Saturday at 79, after her health had unexpectedly declined in recent months. Even those closest to her didn’t realize how ill she was.

At a recent Hello Sunshine event, Reese Witherspoon honored actor Steve Martin, recalling how he directed her in the 1991 film *Wildflower* when she was just 15 years old.

Reese Witherspoon, 49, praised Diane Keaton for redefining how women were portrayed in movies – as intelligent, humorous, fashionable, and uniquely themselves. She also expressed her thanks for Keaton’s guidance early in her career.

While speaking at the event, Reese Witherspoon shared the sad news that Diane Keaton had passed away, adding that she was hoping to remain composed while delivering the announcement.

Diane played a huge role in my early career. She was one of the first people to guide me in this industry. I was just 15, new to the scene, and didn’t know a soul, being from Nashville, Tennessee.

It was one of my first auditions – maybe the second or third – and I walked in with a strong Southern accent. I was trying out for the part of a young Southern character, and the director asked me who I was. I responded by introducing myself as Reese Witherspoon, and saying I was from Nashville, Tennessee.

She questioned my accent, asking if I was faking it. I explained that I was genuinely from Nashville, Tennessee, and eager to be in her film. She immediately replied, “You’re hired!” and said she was thrilled to have me on set for the next three days, even though she didn’t know me.

Reese went on to say that Diane is an amazing, unforgettable, and truly unique individual. She suggested the best way to appreciate Diane is to watch one of her films.

Put together a stylish black and white outfit, snap a photo, and enjoy pursuing your goals!

‘Just be your unique, interesting self. I think Diane would be really happy.’

Diane, known for her role in Father of the Bride, adopted her two children, Dexter and Duke, later in life, when she was in her 50s. She raised them on her own and never married.

Diane unexpectedly passed away after a sudden illness, and before her death, she had listed her cherished home for sale.

I was absolutely devastated when I found out she’d put her LA house on the market in March. It just didn’t make sense – she always talked about how much she loved that place! Now I know she was secretly fighting a health battle, and it all makes a little more sense, but still… it broke my heart to see that listing. It felt like losing a piece of her, even just seeing the house up for sale.

Sources say her decision came as a surprise to many, as she had previously expressed plans to make it her permanent home.

The actress had written a book about her beloved home titled The House that Pinterest Built.

She bought the house and spent almost ten years renovating it to perfectly match her style.

The extensive eight-year renovation was completed and she only moved in back in 2017. 

Earlier this year, she decided to sell her custom-built mansion, putting the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom property on the market for $29 million.

She shared in her book about her house that she was inspired to buy it because of the classic story, The Three Little Pigs.

She remembered her mother reading her the story of the Three Little Pigs when she was a child, and she always wished she could live in the house made of bricks – the one that the wolf couldn’t blow down.

She wrote in her book: ‘I knew I was going to live in a brick house when I grew up.’ 

Following the sad news of the actress’s passing, a friend shared that she had been privately struggling with a worsening health condition for some time.

A friend of the actress told People that her health deteriorated very quickly, which was deeply upsetting for all who cared about her.

‘It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.’ 

According to a source, the actress spent her last months with only her immediate family, and they intentionally kept her situation private.

‘Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening,’ they shared.

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2025-10-12 13:04