The world continues to mourn the loss of the legendary Diane Keaton, who passed away on October 11 at the age of 79. The death certificate confirmed the cause was primary bacterial pneumonia, an illness she had been battling for several days prior to her passing. She was under a doctor’s care in the weeks leading up to her death and was cremated three days later, a private farewell for the public icon. In the wake of this loss, tributes from her countless friends and co-stars have painted a picture of a deeply cherished artist.
Among those sharing their memories is Richard Gere, who shared the screen with Keaton on two separate occasions, nearly five decades apart. During a recent appearance on the Today show, Gere opened up about his reaction to the tragic news and reflected on their time working together. His words provided a rare and intimate glimpse into the woman behind the iconic films and the special bond they formed on set under challenging circumstances.
Gere first worked with Keaton on the 1977 film “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” which was only his second film role. He recalled that the project was a difficult one, describing it as a “very kind of raw, sexual film.” He revealed that both he and Keaton were naturally shy and skittish individuals, which created a unique sense of camaraderie between them. In that high-pressure environment, they found solace in each other’s support.
The two actors leaned on each other to navigate the film’s challenging physical and emotional scenes. Gere remembered how they essentially took care of each other, creating a protective partnership that helped them get through the demanding production. This shared experience forged a connection that lasted through the decades, long after the cameras stopped rolling. It was a foundational moment in his early career, made easier by her presence.
More than forty years later, they reunited for the 2023 film “Maybe I Do,” a reunion that Gere now looks back on with profound gratitude. When asked to summarize his memory of her, his tribute was simple, powerful, and said everything about her character. He remembered her as being incredibly sweet, gentle, and, above all, real. Richard Gere’s final, touching assessment was that anyone who ever worked with Diane Keaton would walk away with the same impression: “This is a real person.” It is a fitting and beautiful epitaph for a star who always remained authentically herself.
