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Diane Keaton's Youthful Romance Rekindled in Chance Encounter
16 Oct
Summary
- Actor Robert Lesser recounts meeting Diane Keaton in 1965 when she was 19
- Their intense, short-lived romance in New York City in the 1960s
- Chance reunion decades later at the Russian Tea Room

In October 2025, actor Robert Lesser recounts his memories of a youthful romance with the late Diane Keaton. The two met in 1965 when they were both 19-year-old acting students at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. Keaton, then still known as Diane Hall, was a newcomer from California, while Lesser was a year out of college and living on his own.
Despite their differences, the two fell deeply in love, spending hours walking in Central Park, watching movies, and exploring the city together. Their relationship was intense but short-lived, lasting less than two years before they parted ways. Decades later, in a chance encounter at the Russian Tea Room in 2025, the two reconnected, with Keaton's vibrant spirit and unique style still leaving a lasting impression on Lesser.
The article paints a vivid picture of Keaton's youthful energy and creativity, from her musical laugh to her eclectic fashion sense. Lesser fondly remembers their shared passion for the arts, dancing, and simply enjoying each other's company in the bustling city. Though their romance ultimately ended, the memories of that time remain etched in his mind, a testament to the power of young love.