Actress and producer Reese Witherspoon shared an emotional tribute to screen legend and director Diane Keatonfollowing the news of Keaton’s passing at 79. Speaking at her company Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event, a tearful Witherspoon honored Keaton as one of her first and most cherished mentors in Hollywood, recalling the pivotal guidance she received from the Oscar winner while filming the 1991 TV movie Wildflower as a teenager.
Keaton’s Indelible Impact on a Young Star
Witherspoon, who was just 15 and fresh from Nashville, Tennessee, when she auditioned for Keaton’s directorial debut, recounted the profound impact the experience had on her budding career. Keaton hired her on the spot, despite Witherspoon’s thick Southern accent. “She said, ‘Are you making that up? That accent you’re doing?’ And I said, ‘No ma’am, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee, and I’d love to be in your movie.’ And she was like, ‘Well, you’re hired,’” Witherspoon shared.
The actress described the summer spent filming Wildflower—where she starred alongside Patricia Arquette—as “one of the most important summers” of her childhood.
The Advice: “Stand Up Straight” and “Be Original”
Witherspoon revealed the honest and surprisingly practical advice Keaton imparted, which would shape her confidence and professional demeanor for decades to come.
“She really took the time to pull me aside and say, ‘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,’” Witherspoon recalled with a smile, imitating Keaton’s directorial style.
Beyond the physical tip, Witherspoon celebrated Keaton’s unique spirit, calling her “just incredible and indelible and just a truly original person.” She praised Keaton for having “changed the way we all saw women on screen—smart, funny, stylish, and completely original.”
A Lasting Legacy
To honor her mentor, Witherspoon offered a touching suggestion to the audience, encouraging them to embrace Keaton’s bold, singular style.
“So for Diane, watch one of her movies,” she advised. “And wear like a really cool, interesting outfit. Black and white. Take a cool picture and just live your dream. Just be your unique, interesting self. I think Diane would be really happy.”
Witherspoon’s emotional remembrance underscores Keaton’s lasting legacy, not only as an iconic actress from films like Annie Hall and The Godfather but also as a dedicated mentor who provided formative guidance to the next generation of Hollywood talent.
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