Diane Keaton's Activism Was Part Of What Made Her A Hollywood Great

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

It's 2025, and we've lost another good one. A fashion icon and Oscar award-winning actor, Diane Keaton, who always knew how to confront age with confidence, died at 79. And while many may think her legacy begins and ends with her unforgettable roles in films like "The Godfather," "First Wives Club," and "Something's Gotta Give," Keaton's influence reached far beyond the screen. Her activism was part of what made her a Hollywood great. 

The actor was as passionate about her philanthropic efforts as she was about her artistic performance. Throughout her life, Keaton devoted herself to causes she had a great deal of love and respect for. From fighting to preserve Los Angeles' history to championing welfare for animals, it was clear Keaton believed there was always something worth protecting and fighting for. 

She cared for animals so much that PETA paid tribute to the late actor in the wake of her passing. "Diane Keaton's impact as a brilliant and talented actor is undeniable, but PETA will always remember her as a true friend to animals," said a statement from the animal rights group. The organization was grateful for how she used her influence for the greater good and endorsed animal rights acts like the Big Cat Public Safety Act, a law that bans private ownership of big cats. She was also a vegetarian and welcomed many animals into her home  throughout her life.

Diane Keaton's activism extended beyond animals and marginalized communities, as she was just as devoted to preserving the beautiful history of her beloved city, Los Angeles. For her, protecting the city began with its historic architecture — the very buildings that carried the city's stories and culture, making the city so unique. Keaton loved monumental buildings so deeply, she served as a board member of the Los Angeles Conservancy and a trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The former Los Angeles Conservancy president, Linda Dishman, spoke to Variety about the actor and just how much effort she put forth to conserve the city. "[The actor] had a very genuine passion for historic preservation, not only for the buildings or the cultural landscapes, but for what they mean to people and what they would mean in the future," she told the magazine.

Her passion led her to work tirelessly for decades to protect iconic landmarks such as the Century Plaza Hotel and a 1920s residence built by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. And she didn't just show up for the wins. After the historic Ambassador Hotel was demolished in 2006, Keaton visited the site and delivered a heartfelt speech about the irreplaceable cultural landmark the city had lost. "Looking at the shadow of our once glorious Ambassador Hotel, like losing a lover, I felt that familiar pounding heartbeat racing through my body, and I felt the loneliness of her last stand," she said. Keaton's "Then Again" may be the perfect celeb memoir for a book club read in November 2025.