The heartbreaking passing of Diane Keaton at age 79 has left legendary actor Al Pacino reflecting on the greatest “what if” of his life — not marrying the woman he once called his true love. The pair’s on-and-off relationship began in 1971 after meeting on the set of The Godfather and lasted for more than 15 years. Despite their deep bond, Pacino never proposed, and when Keaton finally gave him an ultimatum to commit or walk away, he chose the latter. Now at 85, the Oscar-winning actor reportedly carries deep remorse over the decision that ended their love story.
Close friends say Pacino often described Keaton as “an amazing woman” and acknowledged she was the one who truly understood him. After their split, he was known to muse that “if it’s meant to be, it’s never too late for a do-over.” Sadly, Keaton’s death has made that wish impossible. While Pacino’s romantic life included many other high-profile relationships, those close to him insist his greatest devotion has always been to his children. He even bought a home in Los Angeles to stay closer to them, despite his preference for life in New York.
Although Pacino and Keaton lived only a few miles apart in Beverly Hills for years, they reportedly never reconnected. When asked why, Pacino once said there was no reason to talk — that “everything that needed to be said had already been said.” Their first meeting on The Godfather set marked the beginning of an enduring connection that shaped both their lives, even long after their romance ended. Now, many wonder whether Pacino will attend her funeral or memorial to pay his final respects to the woman he never stopped caring for.
Keaton, who was often spotted walking her dog Emma around Los Angeles before her sudden disappearance months ago, had her own share of reflections about Pacino. She once described him as “charming, hilarious, and absolutely gorgeous,” admitting she worked hard to make their love last but “didn’t go about it the right way.” Friends say she always imagined a future with Pacino — marriage, children, and a shared life — but when her plea for commitment was met with silence, she knew it was time to let go. In the end, both carried their regrets, bound forever by a love that neither fully realized.
