The renowned actress from ‘The Godfather’ passed away at the age of 79 in California on Saturday, october 11.
Published on October 15, 2025, at 12:53 PM EDT
Credit:
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Essential Highlights
- The Helen Woodward Animal Center honored Diane Keaton for her unwavering commitment to animal welfare on Tuesday,October 14.
- The actress known for her role in *annie Hall* dedicated over two decades to serving on the Center’s Board of Directors.
- Diane Keaton passed away at the age of seventy-nine in California on saturday, October 11.
Diane keaton‘s legacy is being celebrated for her meaningful contributions to animal rescue efforts. On Tuesday,October 14th,
the Helen Woodward Animal center paid tribute to this beloved actress who was an active board member of their association.
This heartfelt tribute followed her passing at seventy-nine years old. The organization expressed gratitude towards Keaton’s lifelong dedication to promoting animal welfare and acknowledged her more than twenty years as a board member. “We are thankful for Diane’s unwavering commitment,” they stated in a release shared with PEOPLE magazine.
The center highlighted that she played a crucial role in advocating for legislative changes such as the Big Cat Public Safety act—which prohibits owning wild cats as pets—and implemented stricter safety regulations concerning animals used within entertainment industries while also enhancing protections for wildlife and farm animals alike.
Keaton was also recognized for championing pet adoption and embracing a vegetarian lifestyle; she frist became their celebrity spokesperson back in
2001 before receiving the Humane Award from Helen Woodward Animal Center in
2005. That same year marked her joining of their Board of directors as well.
“In subsequent years,” noted the center’s statement,
“Keaton utilized her star power to elevate our mission and advocate tirelessly
for pet adoption.” She produced numerous promotional materials supporting various initiatives like Remember Me Thursday®, an international campaign aimed at raising awareness about orphaned pets. Additionally,
she generously donated time by hosting lunches with top bidders during galas
and actively participated in telethons—answering calls and matching bids.”
Diane also leveraged opportunities during film press tours to promote pet adoption initiatives actively. One memorable instance recalled by the California rescue involved Keaton rescuing a dog from an expressway before bringing it into their care; after receiving medical attention and training,
the dog found its way into “a loving home.”
“It’s unachievable to quantify how many lives Diane has positively impacted,” stated Mike Fingers,
President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal center.“She truly embodied compassion through all those years spent improving animal lives while encouraging families worldwide to adopt shelter pets—her influence has undoubtedly transformed countless lives across various communities globally.
She will be profoundly missed.”
A devoted advocate until her final moments,
Keaton’s last Instagram post featured herself alongside one of her dogs celebrating National Pet Day on April
11th—a heartwarming reminder of how much she cherished animals throughout life.
In collaboration with Hudson Grace home goods brand,
she shared this touching moment featuring Reggie—the golden retriever—with caption reading:
“Proof our pets have grate taste too! Happy National Pet Day from HG & @diane_keaton 🖤🐾”< / p >