AceShowbiz - In a poignant moment following the news of her passing, actor Keanu Reeves shared heartfelt reflections on his former co-star, Diane Keaton. Speaking at the New York premiere of his latest film, Good Fortune, Reeves fondly recalled his time working with the acclaimed actress, highlighting her exceptional qualities both on and off screen.

'I had the wonderful opportunity to work with her and she was a very special artist and person,' Reeves told The Hollywood Reporter. He further described Diane Keaton as 'Very unique and just what a wonderful artist,' underscoring the profound impact she had on him personally and professionally. The two famously shared the screen in Nancy Meyers' beloved 2003 romantic-comedy, Something's Gotta Give.

In Something's Gotta Give, Diane Keaton portrayed playwright Erica Barry, navigating a complex romantic triangle involving a charming young doctor played by Reeves and a wealthy record executive, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Her captivating performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her status as a cinematic icon. Their professional bond extended beyond the film, as they later reunited to present an award at the 2020 Academy Awards, a testament to their enduring mutual respect.

The outpouring of grief and admiration for Diane Keaton has been widespread, with filmmaker Nancy Meyers also sharing a deeply personal tribute. Shortly after the news broke, Meyers, who directed Something's Gotta Give, took to Instagram to express her profound loss. 'As a movie lover, I’m with you all — we have lost a giant. A brilliant actress who time and again laid herself bare to tell our stories,' Meyers wrote, articulating the collective sentiment of the film community.

Beyond their professional collaboration, Meyers revealed a friendship spanning nearly four decades. 'As a woman, I lost a friend of almost 40 years — at times over those years, she felt like a sister because we shared so many truly memorable experiences,' she shared, highlighting the intimate bond they forged. For Meyers, the loss was also deeply professional: 'As a filmmaker, I’ve lost a connection with an actress that one can only dream of.'

Meyers specifically recalled Diane Keaton's unique approach to her craft during the filming of Something's Gotta Give. 'When I needed her to cry in scene after scene in Something’s Gotta Give, she went at it hard and then somehow made it funny,' Meyers remembered. She painted a vivid picture of Keaton's unconventional preparation: 'And I remember she would sometimes spin in a kind of goofy circle before a take to purposely get herself off balance or whatever she needed to shed so she could be in the moment.'

Concluding her heartfelt message, Meyers lauded Diane Keaton's unparalleled spirit: 'She was fearless, she was like nobody ever, she was born to be a movie star, her laugh could make your day and for me, knowing her and working with her — changed my life.' The filmmaker ended with a poignant farewell: 'Thank you Di. I’ll miss you forever.'

In a further testament to her immense legacy, AMC Theatres announced a special tribute, bringing back two of Diane Keaton's most iconic films to cinemas. Audiences across 100 U.S. locations will have the opportunity to revisit her groundbreaking performance in Annie Hall and her memorable role in Something's Gotta Give, honoring a career that profoundly shaped cinematic history.