Reese Witherspoon Reminisces About Diane Keaton's Mentorship in Her Early Days

In October 2025, during an event for her company Hello Sunshine, 49-year-old actress Reese Witherspoon reflected on her early memories of working with the late Diane Keaton. Witherspoon, who was 15 years old at the time, had auditioned for Keaton's 1991 film Wildflower. After the audition, Keaton, who passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79, hired Witherspoon on the spot, despite the young actress' strong Southern accent.

Keaton took Witherspoon under her wing, offering advice that would go on to shape the rest of Witherspoon's career. "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. She said that working with Keaton during that "one of the most important summers" of her childhood was a pivotal experience.

Witherspoon also praised Keaton's originality, citing her iconic roles in films like Annie Hall, The Godfather, and Something's Gotta Give. "She is just incredible and indelible and just a truly original person," Witherspoon gushed, encouraging fans to honor Keaton's memory by watching her movies and embracing their own unique style and interests.