Richard Gere reflected on his memories of Diane Keaton during an appearance on the Today show on Thursday, October 16, following news of her passing.
The 76-year-old actor spoke about his experiences working with Keaton on one of his earliest films, the 1977 drama Looking for Mr. Goodbar. In the film, Keaton played a schoolteacher navigating risky romantic encounters, a role that required both actors to perform emotionally vulnerable and challenging scenes.
“That was a difficult film,” Gere recalled. “It was a very raw, sexual film and she’s pretty shy and skittish and I was too. It was my second film. And we kind of took care of each other getting through these challenging physical scenes with each other.”
Gere also reminisced about their reunion on the 2023 film Maybe I Do, one of Keaton’s final projects. “We made a film a few years ago too and I hadn’t seen her in a long time,” he said. “And I remember just how sweet and gentle she was and how real. I think anyone who’s ever worked with her is just like ‘this is a real person.’ Completely original.”
Keaton’s family confirmed to PEOPLE that the actress died of pneumonia at the age of 79. “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” the statement read.
The family encouraged fans to honor Keaton’s memory by supporting causes close to her heart, including animal welfare and aid for unhoused communities.
Keaton’s career was marked by numerous iconic roles, including her Academy Award-winning performance in Annie Hall, released the same year as Looking for Mr. Goodbar. Her unique talent and authenticity left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the hearts of those who knew her.