How did Diane Keaton impact Reese Witherspoon's career?

Diane Keaton gave Reese Witherspoon, then 15 years old, her first major role in the 1991 TV movie Wildflower. Keaton was a supportive mentor to Witherspoon during the production, and Witherspoon says Keaton was "truly original" and like an "auntie" to her.

What did Diane Keaton say to Reese Witherspoon when she first met her?

When Witherspoon auditioned for Keaton, the legendary actress told her, "Well, you're hired today, tomorrow [and] the next day. I don't know who you are, but I'm excited to have you."

How did Reese Witherspoon react to Diane Keaton's passing?

Witherspoon was deeply saddened by Keaton's death on October 11, 2025, and she got emotional while paying tribute to her beloved mentor during a recent event in Los Angeles.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Reese Witherspoon Honors Diane Keaton's Lasting Mentorship

Reese Witherspoon Honors Diane Keaton's Lasting Mentorship

26 Oct

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Summary

Reese Witherspoon credits Diane Keaton for giving her first major job opportunity
Keaton was a mentor and "auntie" to Witherspoon during the filming of Wildflower
Witherspoon recalls Keaton's warm and encouraging approach to her as a young actress

Reese Witherspoon Honors Diane Keaton's Lasting Mentorship

In a recent profile, acclaimed actress Reese Witherspoon, now 49 years old, reflects on the profound impact that the late Diane Keaton had on her career. Witherspoon recalls that when she was just starting out as an actress, Keaton gave her a major break by casting her in the 1991 TV movie Wildflower.

Witherspoon describes Keaton as "truly original" and says she was like an "auntie" to her during the production. The young actress, who was then 15 and hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, was filled with anxiety about her first major role. But Keaton's warm and encouraging approach put her at ease, with the legendary actress telling Witherspoon, "Well, you're hired today, tomorrow [and] the next day. I don't know who you are, but I'm excited to have you."

Keaton's mentorship and belief in Witherspoon's talent left a lasting impression. The Morning Show star says she will never forget the people who gave her those crucial first job opportunities. Sadly, Keaton passed away on October 11 after battling bacterial pneumonia, but her legacy as a trailblazing performer and generous mentor lives on through the success of actors like Witherspoon.

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