Diane Keaton’s Extraordinary Love Life: From Hollywood Romance to Lifelong Independence
From an emotional fallout with Al Pacino to a flirty spark with Keanu Reeves — and even a bizarre encounter with Steve Jobs — Diane Keaton’s love life was far from ordinary.
A Star Who Chose Her Own Path
Beloved actress Diane Keaton spent over five decades in Hollywood, admired for her wit, style, and fearless independence. Despite her long list of famous romances, she never married — and she was proud of it.
“I don’t think it would have been a good idea for me to marry,” she once told People. “I’m really glad I didn’t.”
Even in her late seventies, Keaton openly joked she hadn’t dated in years, saying her “uniqueness” might have scared men away. But she didn’t mind — she had built a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Al Pacino and Diane Keaton in a scene from “The Godfather,” circa 1972 | Source: Getty Images
1. Al Pacino: The One Who Got Away
Keaton’s most passionate — and painful — relationship was with Al Pacino, whom she met while filming The Godfather in the early 1970s. Their romance stretched through the ’80s, filled with affection, intensity, and heartbreak.
Keaton wanted marriage; Pacino didn’t. In 1990, she gave him an ultimatum — and he walked away. “He never had any intention of marrying me,” she later wrote in her memoir Then Again.
The breakup devastated her. She even changed her style to protect herself emotionally. Yet with time, she accepted it was for the best. “It would have been a nightmare for him,” she reflected.
2. Woody Allen: Loyalty Beyond Romance
Before Pacino, Keaton shared a tender relationship with Woody Allen. They starred together in several classics, including Play It Again, Sam and Annie Hall. Though their romance ended, their friendship endured for life.
She remained one of Allen’s most loyal defenders, even decades later. “Woody Allen is my friend,” she once wrote. “And I continue to believe him.”
3. Warren Beatty: Brilliant and Charming
While filming Reds (1981), Keaton fell for Warren Beatty, her co-star and director. She admired his brilliance and charisma, calling him “a dream.” Though their romance didn’t last, their friendship did.
“I mean, come on — he was beautiful, brilliant, and to die for,” she gushed years later.
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen in the film “Annie Hall,” circa 1977 | Source: Getty Images
4. Edward Ruscha: The Quiet Love
Keaton’s romance with artist Edward Ruscha was among her most private. They kept their relationship low-profile, away from Hollywood’s glare. Even after it ended, she spoke of him fondly — one creative soul recognizing another.
5. Steve Jobs: The Awkward Encounter
After Annie Hall, Keaton met Steve Jobs, who had just bought the penthouse above her in New York’s San Remo building. Curious, she accepted his invitation to visit.
But the meeting was anything but romantic — Jobs spent the entire evening talking about computers. They never met again. Ironically, Keaton later wrote her memoir on an Apple computer — the same topic that dominated their only conversation.
6. Jack Nicholson: The Kiss That Never Happened
Keaton met Jack Nicholson in her 30s and starred opposite him in Something’s Gotta Give. She later admitted, “I didn’t want to be his friend. I wanted him to kiss me. It didn’t happen.”
Still, their bond deepened into a lifelong friendship. She once wrote him a letter saying, “Your face is the best face I’ve ever seen.”
Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton attend the news conference to “Something’s Gotta Give” at the 54th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 6, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
7. Keanu Reeves: Playful Chemistry
In 2003, Keaton and Keanu Reeves charmed audiences with their chemistry in Something’s Gotta Give. Rumors of an off-screen romance quickly followed.
Though never confirmed, Keaton later joked, “Keanu Reeves loved me a lot — not just a little. His love grew with time. I’ll take Keanu.”
Their playful reunion at the 2020 Oscars reignited fans’ hopes, though they remained just friends.
8. Richard Gere: A Crush That Faded Fast
Keaton first worked with Richard Gere on Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977). She later admitted, “I had a crush on him, but he didn’t cotton to me at all.”
Despite the lack of sparks, they shared a warm respect that lasted decades.
Living Life on Her Own Terms
Through all her high-profile relationships, Diane Keaton stayed true to herself. She never saw marriage as a necessity and found peace in her independence.
“I’m glad I never married,” she once said. “I did it my way — and that’s enough.”
