Helen Woodward Animal Center is paying tribute to a long-time board member whose celebrity was far from the most impressive thing about her. Legendary actress Diane Keaton passed away on Saturday, October 11th, at the age of 79. Beyond her illustrious film career, Keaton was a passionate advocate for animal welfare, dedicating over two decades to serving on the Center’s Board of Directors.
Tributes have poured in from around the world celebrating Keaton’s extraordinary talent and timeless contributions to film. But for Helen Woodward Animal Center, her lasting legacy is defined by kindness, activism, and her unwavering devotion to animals. A tireless advocate, Keaton helped push for significant legislative changes, including the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which made it illegal to own wildcats as pets. She also championed stronger protections for animals in entertainment, wildlife, and farm animals, while promoting pet adoption and a vegetarian lifestyle.
Keaton’s partnership with Helen Woodward Animal Center began in 2001, when she served as the Celebrity Spokesperson for the third annual “Home 4 the Holidays” adoption campaign. Her dedication to the cause earned her the Center’s Humane Award in 2005, the same year she accepted Center President and CEO Mike Arms’ invitation to join the Board of Directors.
Over the years, Keaton used her star power to amplify the Center’s message, appearing in numerous campaigns, including Remember Me Thursday®, and lending her personal time to galas and telethons. She often went beyond the spotlight—meeting donors over lunch, answering phones during fundraisers, and matching bids with callers.
In 2012, she turned the promotional tour for her film Darling Companion into an opportunity to shine a light on pet adoption. Appearing on Ellen and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno with three adoptable puppies from the Center, she helped secure forever homes for all three—including one adopted by an audience member and another by moonwalker Buzz Aldrin.
Keaton didn’t just speak about rescue—she lived it. In 2016, she personally pulled over on a freeway to save a frightened dog. After getting the pup to safety, she brought him to Helen Woodward Animal Center, where he received care and found a loving home.
“Diane was never afraid to do the real work,” said Mike Arms. “She gave her time, her heart, and her voice to animals who needed it most. She will forever be part of our family.”
Helen Woodward Animal Center thanks Diane Keaton for a lifetime of compassion and advocacy. Her impact on the world of animal welfare—and the countless lives she helped save—will never be forgotten.
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