Diane Keaton became a mother at 50: meet her two children who now carry on her legacy
The Oscar-winning actress built a family on her own terms after decades of independence
Diane Keaton was never one to follow Hollywood’s rules. The Oscar-winning actress, who passed away on October 11 at age 79, defied expectations both on and off screen — including her decision to become a mother for the first time at 50.
From her earliest days, Diane Keaton knew exactly what she wanted — and what she didn’t. Marriage wasn’t part of the plan, and neither, at first, was motherhood.
“I wanted to be a movie star,” she once said. “I wanted people — lots of people I didn’t know — to love me.”
Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton was the eldest daughter of Jack and Dorothy Hall. Her father was a civil engineer, and her mother a homemaker who encouraged creativity. Growing up in a close-knit, postwar California household, Keaton’s imagination and confidence were nurtured early.
She later studied drama at Santa Ana College before moving to New York City to attend the Neighborhood Playhouse, where her acting dreams began to take shape. By the late 1960s, she was performing on Broadway, leading to film roles in Play It Again, Sam and The Godfather.
Rising to Hollywood fame
Keaton became one of the most recognizable faces of the 1970s, celebrated for her wit, individuality, and distinctive style. Her Oscar-winning role in Annie Hall (1977) cemented her as one of cinema’s most original voices, while hits like The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, and Book Club showcased her lasting appeal.
But as her career soared, Keaton remained content living life on her own terms — single, successful, and fiercely private.
“I liked being a daughter”
For years, Keaton said she never envisioned herself as a mother. That changed after the death of her father, Jack Hall, from a brain tumor.
“I only hope that I can engage life like he engaged death — directly, with no lies, no hiding,” she reflected. His passing prompted her to reevaluate what she wanted from life’s next chapter.
“I liked being a daughter,” she once said. “I didn’t think I wanted to be someone who could take [parenthood] on until I had to accept that I had to move on.”
Adopting at 50
At 50, Keaton adopted her first child, Dexter, in 1996. Five years later, she welcomed Duke, completing her small but loving family.
Neither of her children pursued Hollywood careers, with Dexter working in animal care and as a lifeguard before marrying Jordan White in 2021. In a Mother’s Day tribute, Dexter once wrote:
“Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing momma! I’m so thankful to have been adopted by such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman.”
Duke, meanwhile, has pursued a passion for music, occasionally appearing alongside celebrities like Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne.
A life without marriage
Though she shared relationships with Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Woody Allen, Keaton never married — a choice she viewed without regret.
“No one has ever asked me to marry them, so that might be a good answer,” she once joked. “I didn’t want to give up my independence.”
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In a 2019 interview, she admitted she hadn’t been on a date in more than three decades. “Never,” she laughed. “Let’s just get that straight.”
Devoted mother, timeless icon
Despite her private nature, Keaton occasionally shared glimpses of her life with Dexter and Duke, attending premieres and public events together. Photos from her 2022 handprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood showed the trio smiling side by side — a rare moment that revealed just how close they were.
Her journey from ambitious young actress to devoted mother reflected the same courage and individuality that defined her career.
Diane Keaton’s life was one of creativity, humor, and independence — and her children now carry forward that spirit.
Rest in peace, Diane Keaton.
