This weekend, the world lost one of its most impactful actresses, Diane Keaton, who died at age 79. Keaton was a legend among entertainers, starring in iconic films such as Anne Hall, The godfather and Something has to give throughout his illustrious career. Since the news of the Oscar winner’s death broke, legions of fans have paid tribute to her, as have other actors. Reese Witherspoon also paid tribute to Keaton by sharing a sweet story about working with her years ago, and other stars had adorable responses.
How Reese Witherspoon paid loving tribute to Diane Keaton
Before Witherspoon became the A-list actress and powerhouse producer she is today, she was a young actress hoping to break into the entertainment industry. Witherspoon reflected on this period in her career during a sweet moment at the Hello Sunshine Shine Away conference this weekend. Amid the event, Witherspoon acknowledged Keaton’s death with attendees and reflected on what it was like as one of her first auditions for the late actress:
Diane was very important, she was one of my first mentors in this business. I was 15 years old, from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anyone. And I went in – it was my second, maybe my third audition for a movie, and I auditioned for her.
The idea of auditioning for a big star like Diane Keaton looks quite intimidating, but I can’t even imagine doing that as a teenager. Needless to say, Reese Witherspoon found herself in a prime position to make a good impression at that point in her career. As Witherspoon explained (as seen in Instagram), she managed to make a good impression when she finally got the opportunity to speak to Keaton in person. What ended up happening was a funny exchange between the two actresses:
She looked at me afterwards, and I came in with a big country accent and was playing a little Southern girl. And she said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Reese Witherspoon, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee.’ She said, ‘Are you making this up, this accent you’re doing?’ I said, ‘No, ma’am, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee. And I’m here and I would love to be in your movie. [She said,] ‘Well, you’re hired. You are hired today, tomorrow and the next day. I don’t know who you are, but I’m so excited to have you.
That was pure charm and kindness coming from First Wives Club icon, and I love how, in that moment, she just encouraged Witherspoon instead of discouraging her. Still, I love the idea of Keaton – a California native – being humorously surprised by Witherspoon’s Nashville-bred accent. These cultural differences didn’t stop the two stars from becoming close when filming Keaton’s film. Wildflowershowever. Witherspoon explained how important Keaton’s guidance was:
I went and did this movie, and she directed the movie, and it was called Wildflower, and I did it with Patricia Arquette and Diane Keaton, and it was one of the most important summers of my childhood. Why [Diane] actually took the time to pull me aside and say, ‘Stand up, okay? I want you to have good posture. If you’re going to be an actress, you need to improve your posture, okay? I was like, ‘Yes, Mrs. Keaton.’
Considering that Reese Witherspoon has headlined major films and even won an Oscar, I’d like to think that she absorbed a lot of the knowledge that Diane Keaton imparted on her. I really appreciate how Witherspoon also pays respect to those who inspired her, as she did recently when Jane Goodall died. When it came to her tribute to Keaton, Witherspoon lovingly ended by suggesting that fans watch one of the late star’s films and wear an eclectic ensemble in his honor.
Some celebrities had sweet responses
Witherspoon’s sweet memory of Keaton has since gone viral, so it’s probably not that surprising that other stars have reacted to her IG post. Kerry Washington and Candace Cameron Bure were some of the actors who participated, and their reactions, as well as others, can be seen below:
- I love it. And you. – Kerry Washington
- I loved hearing this story. Thanks for sharing 🥹💔 – Candace Cameron Bure
- ❤️❤️❤️ – Julianne Moore
- ❤️❤️❤️ – Natasha Lyonne
- ❤️ – Abigail Spencer
The love for Keaton has been more than evident since the news of his passing hit the Internet. Bette Midler and Steven Martin also paid tribute along with others such as Viola Davis, Jane Fonda and Kate Hudson, among others. Honestly, it’s been great to see so many people showing love and honoring Keaton for not only being a great actor, but also for being a true original.
Diane Keaton leaves behind a historic filmography, as well as many pupils, including Reese Witherspoon. I feel confident in saying that Keaton’s legacy will live on, especially if Witherspoon and others continue to show their love for her. In the meantime, we here at CinemaBlend continue to extend our thoughts to Keaton’s family and friends during this time.
Leave a Reply