Hollywood has lost a true icon with the heartbreaking news of Diane Keaton's death at 79.

The acclaimed actress, known for her unforgettable roles over a six-decade career, passed away on Oct. 11 due to pneumonia, with her family sharing the somber update on Oct. 15, as Fox News reports.

Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton's journey to stardom began with her education at Santa Ana College before she headed to New York City to chase her acting dreams.

From Broadway beginning to Hollywood legend

Her first big break came in 1968 with the Broadway musical Hair, setting the stage for a career that would captivate audiences worldwide.

By the 1970s, Keaton made her film debut in Lovers and Other Strangers, and soon starred alongside Woody Allen in the 1972 adaptation of Play It Again, Sam.

Her defining moment arrived that same year with the role of Kay Adams Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, a part she reprised in both sequels across two decades.

Oscar glory, unmatched versatility

Keaton's talent shone brightest in 1977 when she clinched the Academy Award for Best Actress in Annie Hall, another collaboration with Allen that became a cultural touchstone.

She didn't stop there, earning three more Oscar nods for Reds in 1981, Marvin's Room in 1996, and Something's Gotta Give in 2003, proving her staying power in an industry often obsessed with fleeting trends.

With additional accolades like two Golden Globes and a BAFTA, plus memorable roles in films like The First Wives Club and Father of the Bride, Keaton built a legacy that defied Hollywood's often shallow standards.

A private battle, sudden loss

Yet, behind the scenes, her final months were marked by a quiet struggle, as her family chose privacy over public disclosure, leaving even close friends in the dark about her condition.

As a source told People magazine, "Her health declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her." Talk about a gut punch -- here's a woman who embodied resilience, yet even she couldn't outrun this swift illness.

Another insider added to People, "Her death was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit." It's a reminder that no amount of grit can shield us from life's harshest surprises, a sobering thought in a culture that often peddles invincibility.

Honoring a life of compassion

Keaton's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting her passions beyond the screen, including her deep love for animals and commitment to helping the unhoused community.

Her passing on Oct. 11 from pneumonia shocked many, but her family's call for donations to local food banks or animal shelters reflects the kind of legacy worth celebrating -- one rooted in genuine care, not performative virtue signaling.

As we mourn Diane Keaton, it's clear her impact transcends the glitz of Tinseltown; she was a talent who reminded us of the power of authenticity in an era often clouded by progressive posturing. Her story, from Broadway to Hollywood to a quiet farewell, is a testament to a life lived on her own terms. Fox News Digital has reached out to her representative for further comment, as the world continues to process this profound loss.