The little-known reason why Diane Keaton chose not to get married despite high-profile romances with Al Pacino and Woody Allen

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Diane Keaton was one of the biggest actresses of the 1970s and 80s, and she famously dated many popular actors during that time.

Ultimately, she prioritized her freedom and chose to remain single, and there was one key reason why.

The actress, who died on Saturday at the age of 79, was famously linked to several prominent figures, including Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Woody Allen.

During an era when most women were expected to get married, Keaton stood out by openly stating she preferred to remain independent.

A recent interview with people close to Keaton has revealed the real reason she never got married: her mother.

Keaton explained that she watched her mother sacrifice her own ambitions to focus on raising the family while her father worked, and she knew she didn’t want the same fate for herself.

When Lisa Kudrow from Friends asked Diane Keaton why she believes women don’t need to get married, Keaton explained that it stems from her relationship with her mother – a theme that influences many of her views.

I love my dad, naturally, but my mom was consistently present, while he was often focused on work.

She explained that she’d seen how much her friend sacrificed, remembering when she’d achieved the perfect life – becoming ‘Mrs. Highland Park’ – but then they moved to Santa Ana, and the friendship ended.

Keaton explained that his mother prioritized her family over her own ambitions, and while she was a wonderful mother, he believes this ultimately led him to remain unmarried.

Goldie Hawn rose to fame as a major movie star in the 1970s and continued to delight audiences with popular films like *Baby Boom*, *Father of the Bride*, and *Something’s Gotta Give*, solidifying her place in film history.

Keaton never felt any regret about not marrying, famously saying in 2014, ‘Just because I’m not married doesn’t mean my life is any less fulfilling. That whole idea of an ‘old maid’ is ridiculous.’

In 2019, she noted that at 73 years old, she believed she was unique – perhaps even among previous generations – in having lived her entire life as a single woman.

I believe I made the right decision not to get married, and I’m happy with that choice.

I always found it fascinating when she explained why she hadn’t gotten married in 2021. She was so honest – she simply didn’t want to lose her independence, and I really admired her for that.

Although she’s been enjoying being single lately, she dated several well-known people earlier in her career.

Diane Keaton and Woody Allen began their relationship in 1969 while working together on Allen’s Broadway play, *Play It Again, Sam*.

Although their romance didn’t last long, Keaton appeared in eight of Allen’s films between 1972 and 1993. Many believe she was the muse for his critically acclaimed film, Annie Hall.

Even after they broke up, Keaton and Allen stayed good friends. In 2018, Keaton publicly supported Allen when he faced accusations from his adopted daughter.

‘Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him,’ Keaton tweeted at the time. 

In a 2017 interview with People, she fondly remembered their relationship, saying he was incredibly funny and she truly loved him.

Diane Keaton revealed she had a strong infatuation with Al Pacino while they were filming ‘The Godfather’ in 1971.

But it wasn’t until they were making the 1974 sequel that things turned romantic between them. 

Years later, she told People she was completely captivated by him. He was charming, funny, and always had something to say. She described him as having a vulnerable side, almost like a lost child with a brilliant, quirky mind, and she also thought he was incredibly handsome.

Their relationship had been unsteady for years, but it finally ended in 1990 when he refused to get married.

She also had a brief romance with Beatty after she starred in his 1981 movie Reds.

She later told People magazine that he was a truly exceptional and captivating person, describing him as both complex and charming. She wished he had starred in more films.

She described him to Variety as incredibly attractive and charismatic – a true star. She emphasized he wasn’t just handsome, but also a remarkably talented producer and director.

While Keaton never settled down, that didn’t stop her from becoming a mom.

In 1996, at the age of 50, she adopted her daughter, Dexter Keaton. Five years later, in 2001, she adopted her son, Duke Keaton, when she was 55.

A family spokesperson confirmed the tragic news that she had passed away on Saturday to People.

I’m just…completely heartbroken. Everyone who knew her is, and they’re asking for space to grieve, which, of course, they deserve. I wish I knew *anything* more about what happened, but they’re not sharing any details right now, and honestly, it’s just making it harder. I just want to remember her, and I need them to have the peace they need.

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2025-10-13 18:05