Al Pacino has broken his silence on the death of his former co-star and long-time love, Diane Keaton, penning an emotional tribute after her family revealed she died of pneumonia.
The legendary actor, 85, expressed how rattled he was by her death and reflected on the profound impact Keaton had on his life.
Pacino and Keaton starred together in The Godfather trilogy, and their on-screen chemistry translated to an off-screen romance that saw them date on and off for nearly 20 years.
“When I first heard the news, I was shaken,” Pacino wrote in an essay for deadline.com, noting that he was “deeply saddened” by Keaton’s passing. “Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and on more than one occasion influenced the direction of my life.”
The Scent of a Woman star reflected on the vividness of their memories, even three decades after their romantic relationship ended.
“Though over thirty years has 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,” he continued.
He praised the beloved actress’s “unmistakeable energy” and her role as an inspiration for others.
“People will miss her, but more than that, they will remember her,” he shared. “She left a mark that cannot fade. She was unstoppable, resilient and above all, deeply human.”
Pacino concluded his heartfelt message with a beautiful final thought: “I will always remember her. She could fly — and in my heart, she always will.”
Keaton’s family shared in a statement to People that the 79-year-old beloved star died of pneumonia on October 11.
Keaton and Pacino first started dating in 1974 but ultimately called it quits in 1990. Their relationship ended after Keaton gave him an ultimatum to commit to marriage, which he refused at the time.
A source told the Daily Mail following Keaton’s death that Pacino now regrets not tying the knot with her.
“I know he will forever regret he didn’t make his move when he had the chance,” a friend of the actor told the outlet. “For years after he and Diane split, Al used to say, ‘If it’s meant to be, it’s never too late for a do-over.’ But sadly, now it is.”
“Looking back, Al admits the love of his life was Diane, who he’s always called, ‘an amazing woman,'” the friend added.
Despite the split, the two remained on friendly terms and supportive of one another. Pacino even made a rare public appearance at the 45th AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute in 2017 to honor Keaton.
“You’re an artist, Di,” he told her during his speech. “You’re a great artist. … I love you, forever.”
•Featured image: Al Pacino & Diane Keaton/©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
