Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen Share Emotional Tributes to Diane Keaton After Her Death at 79 — “She Was a Spark of Life and Light”
The world is mourning the loss of Diane Keaton, the beloved Oscar-winning actress whose warmth, wit, and originality lit up screens for more than five decades. But for her Book Club costars — Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen — the loss is deeply personal. They’re not just remembering a Hollywood legend; they’re grieving a dear friend who made every moment brighter.
PEOPLE confirmed that Diane Keaton passed away in California on Saturday at the age of 79. The news broke just hours before tributes began pouring in from across the industry, but it was her Book Club family whose words captured the depth of her spirit best. Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Keaton in both Book Club films, wrote a message that resonated with fans everywhere: “It’s hard to believe… or accept… that Diane has passed. She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative. And though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress.”
Fonda’s words painted the perfect picture of who Keaton was — playful, humble, and endlessly curious. The two shared an easy chemistry both on and off screen, something fans loved seeing continue after their first film together. For Fonda, the laughter they shared behind the camera meant as much as any scene they ever shot.
Mary Steenburgen, another Book Club castmate, described Keaton as “a treasure of a human being.” She shared a photo of the four women holding hands on the red carpet, writing, “Diane made every day fun. She made us laugh when we were tired and reminded us to be grateful when things got hard. I can’t imagine doing another film without her voice in my ear, making me laugh about something silly.”
Candice Bergen, known for her sharp humor and elegant charm, shared a shorter but deeply moving tribute. “I adored her,” she said simply. “She was completely herself — unfiltered, original, and endlessly kind.” Those words, though brief, perfectly captured the woman fans adored — a star who never tried to be anyone but Diane Keaton.
Their friendship was more than a professional bond; it was a sisterhood built through laughter, long days on set, and shared admiration. Book Club wasn’t just a movie about friendship and love later in life — for these four women, it became a reflection of their own lives. Keaton brought warmth and eccentricity to every moment, often showing up in her signature hats and oversized belts, always effortlessly stylish, always radiating joy.
Behind her iconic style and award-winning career, Keaton was someone who valued connection more than applause. She was known to send long, thoughtful notes to friends, always encouraging them, always curious about their lives. Those who worked with her often said she made you feel like the only person in the room.
For Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen, Diane Keaton was more than a costar — she was the heart of their Book Club family. Their tributes aren’t just words of goodbye; they’re love letters to a woman who reminded the world that aging doesn’t mean slowing down, that laughter heals everything, and that authenticity is the most beautiful thing a person can wear.
As Hollywood reflects on her life, one truth remains clear — Diane Keaton’s light will never dim. Her laughter, kindness, and fearless individuality will keep inspiring generations, just as they inspired the friends who loved her most.
