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Mo Rocca: Keaton's humility charmed Harvard honorees
30 Jan
Summary
- Diane Keaton was honored as Woman of the Year in 1991.
- She appeared down-to-earth, asking why Madonna wasn't chosen.
- Honorees recall her warmth, humor, and singular coolness.
As Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals prepare for their 2026 Man and Woman of the Year celebration, they are reflecting on past honorees, including the late Diane Keaton. Keaton, who received the Woman of the Year award in 1991, is being remembered by members of the organization.
Mo Rocca, president of Hasty Pudding Theatricals in 1991, shared cherished memories of spending the day with Keaton. He recalled her immediate warmth upon arriving in Boston and her engaging, stream-of-consciousness way of interacting, noting she carried no celebrity 'bubble' around her.
Rocca also recounted Keaton's charming humility, particularly her question about why Madonna wasn't chosen for the honor. This unexpected remark only deepened the students' admiration for her.
Jason Tomarken, vice president of HPT in 1991, echoed Rocca's sentiments, describing Keaton as down-to-earth, warm, fun, and singularly cool. Suk Han, the event's producer, remembered Keaton as an incredibly talented artist and a class act, from her distinctive style to her personal warmth.
