Al Pacino, the legendary actor known for roles in The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon, is reportedly reflecting on his regrets over not marrying Diane Keaton, who passed away at 79. Their on-and-off romance, which began on the set of The Godfather and spanned nearly two decades, left an indelible mark on both their lives. Keaton’s family requested privacy following her passing, and her friend confirmed that her health declined rapidly in her final months, with her surrounded only by her closest family.
Despite living just minutes from one another in Beverly Hills, Pacino and Keaton did not maintain communication after their 1987 breakup, though they remained respectful of each other’s choices. Pacino honored Keaton at her 2017 American Film Institute lifetime achievement award, where he famously told her, ‘You’re a great artist. I love you forever.’ Keaton, who never married, reflected on their relationship in a 2017 People interview, stating that she considered marriage to Pacino but ultimately felt it would have been a ‘nightmare’ for both.
Pacino, who never married either, fathered four children and purchased a home in Los Angeles to be closer to them. He also mentioned his relationship with Keaton in his memoir Sonny Boy, where he recounted how she helped him after his financial struggles. Keaton’s passing has sparked a wave of nostalgia for their tumultuous yet enduring love story, which is now a part of Hollywood’s storied history.