Reese Witherspoon paid heartfelt tribute to a late Hollywood icon. Following the passing of Diane Keaton at the age of 79 on October 11, the Oscar-winning actress reflected on the indelible mark the "Annie Hall" star left on her heart and her blossoming career.
"Diane was truly pivotal," Reese shared on stage during the third annual Shine Away event in Los Angeles on that very same day. "She was one of my earliest mentors in this industry. I was just 15 years old, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, and knew virtually no one in the business."
The "Legally Blonde" star recounted the moment she got the chance to audition for a role in the 1991 film "Wildflower," directed by Diane and also starring Patricia Arquette. "I walked in—it might have been my second or third audition ever," Reese reminisced. "I auditioned for her, arriving with this thick country accent, portraying this little southern girl. After I finished, she looked at me and asked, 'Who are you?' I replied, 'I'm Reese Witherspoon, from Nashville, Tennessee.' And she quipped, 'Are you faking that accent?'"
Upon realizing that Reese's accent was genuine, Diane immediately embraced her under her wing. As Reese vividly remembered, Diane exclaimed, "'Well, then you're hired. You're hired today, tomorrow, and every day after. I don't know who you are, but I'm thrilled to have you.'"
The founder of Hello Sunshine described making "Wildflower" as "one of the most pivotal summers of my childhood," highlighting that Diane imparted a wealth of thoughtful advice. "She genuinely took the time to pull me aside," Reese explained, "and said, 'Stand up straight, okay? I want you to have good posture. If you're going to be an actress, you've got to work on your posture.'"
But regardless of whether Diane had been her mentor or not, Reese insisted that Diane's influence on Hollywood would have been undeniable. "What I truly adored about her was her originality," she mused. "If you close your eyes and think of Diane Keaton, I guarantee you, from 'Annie Hall' to 'The Godfather' to 'Something's Gotta Give'—she's simply incredible and unforgettable."
"So, in honor of Diane," Reese added, "watch one of her movies. Dress in a really cool, intriguing outfit, black and white. Take a stylish photo and just live your dream. Be your unique, fascinating self. I think Diane would be truly delighted. So, rest in peace, Diane."
