Al Pacino and Diane Keaton shared a decades-long, on-and-off romance — one that began in the early Godfather days and left an unforgettable imprint on both their lives.
Now, following the shocking news of Keaton’s death, Pacino has broken his silence with a short but deeply emotional message.
A loss that shook Hollywood
The beloved Oscar-winning actress passed away at age 79 on October 11, with her family confirming pneumonia as the cause. For those who knew her best, including Pacino, the loss has been especially painful.
Taking several days to gather his thoughts, the Scarface legend, now 85, released a moving statement to Deadline:
“When I first heard the news, I was shaken. Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and influenced the direction of my life. Though over thirty years have passed since we were together, the memories remain vivid — and with her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving.”
Pacino went on to honor Keaton’s extraordinary talent and boundless spirit, writing:
“She lived without limits. Everything she touched carried her unmistakable energy. She opened doors for others, inspired generations, and embodied a once-in-a-lifetime gift that shone through both her work and her life.”
He also reflected on her timeless screen presence:
“On screen, she was magnetic — lightning and tenderness, charm and storm. She was a wonder. Acting was her art, but just one way she shared her creativity. People will miss her, but more importantly, they will remember her. She was unstoppable, resilient, and profoundly human. I will always remember her. She could fly — and in my heart, she always will.”
A love story that never truly ended
Pacino and Keaton first met on the set of The Godfather in the early 1970s and began dating shortly after Part II was released in 1974. Their romance lasted, on and off, until 1990.
In a 1993 interview with the Irish Independent, Pacino recalled, “We were struggling actors when we first met, but I had to wait years before we finally got together.”
Their relationship ended around the time The Godfather Part III was being filmed, after Pacino revealed he would be having a daughter, Julie Marie, with acting coach Jan Tarrant. “It was bittersweet,” he later admitted.
According to friends, the final breakup came when Keaton issued an ultimatum — marriage or separation. Pacino chose to walk away, a decision he reportedly regretted for years.
“Looking back, Al admits the love of his life was Diane,” a friend told The Mail. “He’ll always regret not asking her to marry him. For years he used to say, ‘If it’s meant to be, it’s never too late.’ But now, sadly, it is.”
Mutual admiration that lasted a lifetime
Keaton once described Pacino as “the most entertaining man” she’d ever met, adding, “That face — whoa. Killer, killer face.”
After their split, Keaton embraced motherhood later in life, adopting her daughter Dexter and son Duke in her 50s, raising them as a devoted single parent.
Though their paths diverged, the deep affection between Keaton and Pacino never faded. Her warmth, wit, and brilliance left an indelible mark — and Pacino’s poignant farewell proves just how deeply she touched the lives of those who loved her most.