Ed Begley Jr. Remembers His “Wonderful” Book Club Costar Diane Keaton, Sharing Emotional Memories After Her Death at 79
Ed Begley Jr. is reflecting with tenderness and admiration on the life of his late friend and Book Club costar Diane Keaton. The veteran actor spoke exclusively to People just hours after news broke of Keaton’s passing, expressing both heartbreak and gratitude for the years of friendship they shared. Keaton, who died in California at the age of 79 on October 11, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of artistry, warmth, and authenticity that touched everyone around her — including those fortunate enough to work alongside her.
“I saw Diane fairly recently at Jack Nicholson’s birthday party,” Begley said, recalling what would unknowingly become one of their final encounters. “It was so good to see her there. She loved Jack, as I do, and Jack loved her. I don’t mean to speak for him, but I’m sure he’s as devastated as I am by her loss.” His voice carried the quiet ache of someone who knew he’d never again share a laugh or exchange stories with a woman whose kindness lit up every room she entered.
Begley, 76, first worked with Keaton years ago, but it was during the 2018 film Book Club — a lighthearted yet deeply human story about friendship, love, and aging gracefully — that their bond truly deepened. Keaton, as always, brought humor and honesty to the screen, qualities that Begley says mirrored exactly who she was in real life. “She was wonderful,” he said simply. “Genuine, funny, grounded, and absolutely brilliant at what she did.”
Their friendship extended beyond film sets. The two shared mutual friends and often crossed paths at industry events and charity gatherings, where Keaton’s eccentric charm was always on display. Begley remembers her laughter most vividly — that distinct, unfiltered sound that made everyone else join in. “She had this joy about her,” he said. “It wasn’t performative. It was real, like everything about her. Diane lived with curiosity. She loved people, she loved design, she loved film, and she loved life.”
Those who knew Keaton best often speak of her generous spirit and how she managed to stay utterly herself in an industry that often pressures actors to conform. Begley echoed that sentiment, noting that Keaton’s independence was part of what made her unforgettable. “She never pretended,” he said. “She knew who she was and she owned it — her humor, her vulnerability, her strength. That’s what made her so magnetic.”
At the Environmental Media Awards, where Begley was being honored for his decades of environmental advocacy, the event took on a more somber tone. Between tributes and conversations, he paused to reflect privately. “I’m glad I knew her these many years,” he said, his words deliberate and heartfelt. “There’s comfort in that. Not everyone gets to meet people like Diane — people who make you better just by being around them.”
Keaton’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Hollywood, with costars, friends, and fans remembering her as both a Hollywood icon and a deeply human presence. Her roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather, and Something’s Gotta Give made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation, but those who knew her personally, like Begley, say her off-screen heart mattered even more.
For Ed Begley Jr., the loss of Diane Keaton is not just a professional one but a deeply personal farewell to a friend who embodied the best of what Hollywood could be — authentic, kind, and endlessly inspiring. “She’ll never be forgotten,” he said quietly. “Diane had that rare gift — she made life richer for everyone she met.”
