Al Pacino has broken his silence and shared his heartfelt tribute to his The Godfather co-star and ex-partner Diane Keaton following the news of her passing.
Last weekend, it was announced that the legendary Oscar-winning actress had passed away at the age of 79. Since then, several of Keaton's former co-stars and colleagues in Hollywood have posted tributes to her artistry and legacy as one of the great performers of her era.
Until recently, Pacino did not publicly comment on Keaton's passing, and now, he has finally expressed his sentiments and grief after processing the news for the last few days.
What is Al Pacino's Reaction to Diane Keaton's Passing?
In a statement to Deadline, Pacino shared his heartfelt tribute to Keaton, where he remembered the fond memories that he had with the late actress.
Aside from starring together in The Godfather trilogy, Pacino and Keaton have had an on-and-off relationship throughout the years, and it reportedly ended after the filming of the third movie.
"I am deeply saddened by Diane Keaton’s passing. 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. Though over thirty years has past since we were together, the memories remain vivid, and with her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving," the actor said.
"She lived without limits, and everything she touched carried her unmistakable energy. She opened doors for others, inspired generations and embodied a once-in-a-lifetime gift that radiated through her work and her life."
Pacino continued, "On screen, she was magnetic — lightning and charm, hurricanes and tenderness. She was a wonder. Acting was her art, but it was only one of the many ways she expressed her imagination and creativity."
The actor concluded his statement with heartfelt words about the legacy she left for him and her fans.
"People will miss her, but more than that, they will remember her. She left a mark that cannot fade. She was unstoppable, resilient, and above all, deeply human. I will always remember her. She could fly — and in my heart, she always will," Pacino concluded.
What is Diane Keaton's Cause of Death?
Days after her passing, Keaton's family confirmed that the late actress died of pneumonia. No autopsy was performed by the authorities, and her body was cremated three days later.
"The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11," they said in a statement.
Keaton's family also encouraged fans to donate to a local food bank or animal shelter in honor of her memory.
They added, "She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her."
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