Lauren Graham Shares Emotional Letter from Diane Keaton That Forever Changed Her Life
Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved icons. Diane Keaton, the legendary actress whose wit, warmth, and unforgettable characters shaped generations, passed away on Saturday, October 11, at the age of 79.
Among those deeply touched by her passing is Lauren Graham, who worked alongside Keaton in the 2007 romantic comedy Because I Said So. The Gilmore Girls star shared a heartfelt tribute that captured the deep bond they formed both on and off the screen.
On Instagram, Graham posted a touching photo of a personal letter Keaton once sent her — a message filled with love, humor, and wisdom.
“Please don’t be a stranger. Please invite me to one of your dinners,” Keaton wrote. “And finally… please hug yourself in the morning, and remember to write your book, and don’t let yourself get anxious, you big winner, you.”
She signed it simply: “Love, Di.”
Graham, now 58, reflected on the letter with emotion:
“A few lines from a letter Diane Keaton wrote me years ago, when writing a book was just a dream of mine. Her work as an actor inspired me — but her encouragement changed my life.”
The bond between the two actresses was born on set, where Keaton portrayed Daphne, an overprotective mother of three daughters — Milly (Mandy Moore), Mae (Piper Perabo), and Maggie (Lauren Graham). Behind the scenes, however, she became a mentor and friend to each of them.
Fellow co-star Mandy Moore, 41, also shared her grief on October 11, writing,
“They say don’t meet your heroes, but I got to work with one of mine — and even call her ‘mom’ for a few months. An honor of a lifetime.”
“What an incandescent human Di is and was. I am so sad she’s gone… she felt like someone who would always be here, dazzling us with her talent, charm, and her iconic style. One of the best to ever do it.”
Throughout her remarkable career, Diane Keaton built a legacy that blended elegance, humor, and emotional honesty. From her Oscar-winning performance in Annie Hall to her iconic roles in The Godfather trilogy, Father of the Bride, Something’s Gotta Give, and The First Wives Club, Keaton defined what it meant to be both timeless and original.
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Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who played Keaton’s daughter in Father of the Bride, told PEOPLE:
“It’s one of the best memories I’ll ever have — getting to work with Diane. She was so funny, full of laughter, and always generous with compliments. After we filmed Father of the Bride (3)ish in 2020, she called every single person just to thank them. She was that giving.”
Despite her humility, Keaton’s influence on younger generations of actors remains profound. When asked in a 2019 PEOPLE interview about the wisdom she had gained over the years, she replied with her trademark humor:
“I don’t know anything, and I haven’t learned. Getting older hasn’t made me wiser.”
And then, softly, she added,
“Without acting, I would have been a misfit.”
Her words now feel more poignant than ever — a reflection of a woman who gave her whole heart to her craft, her friends, and her audience.
Diane Keaton’s legacy will live on — not only through the films that made her a Hollywood icon, but also through the kindness and inspiration she left behind in those who were lucky enough to know her. 🌹
