Actor Al Pacino is reportedly mourning more than just the loss of a longtime friend and co-star following the death of actress Diane Keaton, who passed away Saturday at age 79, as reported by TMZ.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, those close to Pacino say he now deeply regrets never marrying Keaton, whom he considered “the love of his life.”
Pacino, 85, and Keaton first met in 1974 on the set of The Godfather, where she played Kay Adams, the girlfriend and later wife of Pacino’s character, Michael Corleone.
Al Pacino and Diane Keaton on the set of The Godfather trilogy. pic.twitter.com/CTuc0mdpMu
— best of al pacino (@bestofpacino) October 11, 2025
Their on-screen chemistry carried over into real life, and the pair began dating soon after filming. The relationship lasted for years, but they ultimately split in 1990 when Pacino reportedly refused to commit to marriage.
A friend of Pacino’s told the Daily Mail that the actor “will forever regret he didn’t make his move when he had the chance.” The same source said Pacino used to tell friends, “If it’s meant to be, it’s never too late for a do-over.”
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However, the friend added that Pacino now feels that “sadly, now it is” too late, and admitted that Keaton was “the love of his life.”
“I love you forever”
Al pacino to Diane keaton in a handwritten letter pic.twitter.com/TpiCZvPMyF— 𝜗᭪ ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི Julius (@pacinophile) October 11, 2025
Keaton had previously spoken publicly about their relationship and the breakup. In a 2017 interview, she said that while their split wasn’t her choice at the time, she later came to see it as the right decision for both of them.
“We were ultimately better off,” she said then, reflecting on their decades-long connection.
The two Hollywood icons remained friendly over the years and shared a professional respect that endured long after their romantic relationship ended.
Their roles in The Godfather films and The Godfather Part III left a lasting cultural mark, and the pair were often cited among the most memorable on-screen couples of their generation.
Diane Keaton went toe-to-toe with Al Pacino in The Godfather Part II & gave a performance that absolutely elevated this film. Kay’s quietly-held fears of her own husband finally explode to the surface here. This is an unforgettable scene from two unforgettable actors. RIP Diane. pic.twitter.com/AEFE08t1lh
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) October 11, 2025
Keaton’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed. She was known for her decades of acclaimed film work, including Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Something’s Gotta Give.
Her career earned her an Academy Award, multiple Golden Globes, and widespread recognition as one of the defining actresses of her era.
Pacino, whose own career spans more than five decades, has not issued a public statement following Keaton’s passing. Friends told the Daily Mail that her death has left him “devastated” and reflecting deeply on the choices he made in his personal life.
Al Pacino talking about Diane Keaton ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1UZ6rVgxvg
— best of al pacino (@bestofpacino) October 11, 2025
Keaton’s death marks the end of one of Hollywood’s most enduring and admired friendships, rooted in a collaboration that helped shape American cinema.
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