Fresh Air Remembering Diane Keaton
Oct 14, 2025
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning legend behind iconic roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather, shares her reflections on a five-decade career. She opens up about the craft of acting, emotional challenges in Marvin's Room, and the significance of a director. Keaton also reminisces about her early life and the unique voice of Annie Hall. TV critic David Bianculli honors her legacy while reviewing a new John Candy documentary, highlighting Candy's journey from Second City to film stardom and the documentary's heartfelt yet incomplete portrayal.
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Transforming Into Bessie
- Diane Keaton describes playing Bessie in Marvin's Room as very different from her life and attracted her because of the character's substance.
- She credits family feelings and Meryl Streep's support for helping her reach truthful emotional moments in the role.
Directors And Co-Actors Unlock Emotion
- Keaton says she finds it easier to live in ironic, humorous roles and must push herself to reach deep dramatic truth.
- She explains that a caring director and fellow actors can lift her into emotional places she can't imagine alone.
Why She Skipped The Hair Nudity
- Keaton recounts her experience in the Broadway production of Hair and why she declined to be naked in the scenes.
- She says it wasn't political hippie spirit but personal discomfort and that the nude option offered extra pay.