Al Pacino reportedly had one major 'regret' in 16-year relationship with Diane Keaton amid her death aged 79

A timeless Hollywood romance concludes with a lingering remorse that continues to affect Pacino

Hollywood is in shock following the passing of acting legend Diane Keaton at the age of 79, including a significant regret experienced by her former love, Al Pacino.

The Oscar-winning actress of Annie Hall and The Godfather left behind a remarkable legacy of film, fashion, and independence, along with a series of love stories that captivated audiences for years.

Renowned for her eccentric humor, wide-brimmed hats, and firm decision not to marry, Keaton, who passed away on 11 October, often jested about being ‘glad’ she never married, as she mentioned to PEOPLE in 2019.

While Keaton's cause of death remains unknown, her long-standing and well-known relationship with Pacino has resurfaced, shedding light on a poignant chapter in both their lives.

After dating Woody Allen, Keaton first encountered Pacino on the set of The Godfather in 1971, where she portrayed Kay, his on-screen wife. She later confessed to developing a ‘crush’ on him during filming, describing him as ‘charming, hilarious, a nonstop talker’, and noting: “There was an aspect of him that was like a lost orphan, like this kind of crazy idiot savant. And oh, gorgeous!”

Diane Keaton and Al Pacino experienced a passionate, intermittent Hollywood romance

Their relationship was on and off throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Keaton admitted she was 'mad for him', but their love was not destined to endure. She desired marriage, while he did not.

After years together, she ultimately gave him an ultimatum: marry me or else.

Pacino, known for his reluctance to commit, chose to leave instead. Although Keaton later expressed she was 'really glad' she never married, Pacino reportedly had a different perspective.

Following her death, after a heartwarming final social media post, sources close to the 85-year-old actor told the Daily Mail that the Godfather star has been contemplating the one thing he never did: marry her. A friend said:

“Looking back, Al admits the love of his life was Diane, whom he has always called ‘an amazing woman… I know he will forever regret he didn’t make his move when he had the chance.”

Pacino reportedly later admitted that losing Keaton was a significant mistake

For years, the two lived only a few miles apart in Beverly Hills, but according to an insider, 'they never spoke'.

When questioned about this, Pacino allegedly responded: “There’s no need to talk with each other. We said everything that needed to be said at the time.”

However, there was never any animosity between them.

When Keaton received the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, People noted that Pacino publicly declared: “You’re a great artist. I love you forever.”