HEALTH Women's Health October 16, 2025 0 Comments

Diane Keaton’s Shocking Pneumonia Battle: When This Common Illness Turns Fatal—What Everyone Needs to Know Now

When news broke that beloved actress Diane Keaton, the unforgettable star of The First Wives Club, passed away suddenly at 79, many of us were stunned and left asking: What happened? Today, her family revealed that pneumonia was the silent culprit behind her tragic death. It’s a harsh reminder — as the chill of cold and flu season approaches, pneumonia isn’t just some random illness; it can creep up quietly and hit hard. Ever wondered how to spot those symptoms you should never ignore? Or what actually makes pneumonia deadly for some but survivable for others? Let me tell you, understanding this sneaky lung infection could be a real game-changer for your health. Stick with me, and I’ll break down what pneumonia really is, how it varies, and most importantly, the smart, practical steps you can take right now to protect yourself — because this isn’t the time to take chances. Ready to take control of your wellness? LEARN MORE

When beloved actress Diane Keaton, known for classic hits such as The First Wives Club, suddenly passed away at 79 on October 11, fans were left grieving and wondering what happened. Today, her family shared with People that the actress died from pneumonia. As we enter cold and flu season, we asked experts to explain the symptoms of pneumonia you should never ignore, when it can become deadly and the smart, simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

What type of pneumonia did Diane Keaton have?

According to a death certificate obtained by People, Keaton died from “primary bacterial pneumonia,” which she had for several days before her passing. No other health conditions were listed as significant contributors to her death.

A friend of Keaton reportedly told People “She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her. It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening,” explaining that her family chose to keep her health “very private.”

What’s your go-to way to keep your immune system strong?

But what is pneumonia, exactly? “[It] is an infection in the lungs that causes swelling, fluid build-up and mucous secretions in the air sacs, making it difficult to breathe,” explains Jennifer Brown, MD, ABOM, ABFM, a dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine.

That said, pneumonia isn’t one-size-fits-all. Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis explains the different types of pneumonia:

Bacterial pneumonia: the most common type of pneumonia, often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
Viral pneumonia: usually linked to the flu or other viruses
Fungal pneumonia: more common in people with weakened immune systems

Aside from the contagious forms of pneumonia mentioned above, there’s also aspiration pneumonia, which happens when food or liquid gets into the lungs, Dr. Dasgupta notes.

Symptoms of pneumonia in adults

Many forms of pneumonia are contagious, and the types that are secondary to infection are mainly spread when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. This sends respiratory droplets into the air, which can be inhaled by those nearby, explains Dr. Dasgupta. A less common but potential cause of transmission: touching an object or surface that has the germ on it and then touching your nose or mouth.

Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe and often overlap with other conditions, says Dr. Dasgupta. He says the most common warning signs of pneumonia include:

Is pneumonia deadly? Risk factors you need to know

As Keaton’s tragic passing reminded us, pneumonia can seriously affect your overall health and even prove fatal. “More than 40,000 people in the US die from pneumonia every year. The mortality rate is around seven percent for those under 65, and increases to 16 percent for those over 65,” says Dr. Brown, citing CDC data.

Dr. Brown says certain factors are more likely to make pneumonia fatal, including:

Being over the age of 65
Having an underlying heart or lung condition
A diabetes or obesity diagnosis
A weak immune system

4 ways to reduce your risk of pneumonia

“Pneumonia is a serious infection that can cause significant illness, hospitalization, poor quality of life and even death,” says Dr. Brown, which is why you shouldn’t take it lightly. And while you may still be impacted by pneumonia in your lifetime, Dr. Brown says there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of an infection. Here’s what she recommends:

Keep up with vaccinations

“Pneumonia shots are very effective in preventing the most common types of bacterial pneumonia,” says Dr. Brown. “Getting a flu shot every year also decreases the risk of pneumonia.”

Wash your hands

We know you already know this, but it bears repeating: “Good hygiene is essential to help prevent the spread of infection, including pneumonia,” says Dr. Brown.

Follow a healthy lifestyle

“Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and consuming a diet high in nutritious foods help optimize the immune system and limit the development of chronic diseases,” says Dr. Brown.

Stop smoking

“Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke if possible,” says Dr. Brown. “Tobacco products cause damage to the lungs, making them more susceptible to infections.” (See our best quit smoking tips here.)

What Keaton’s family wants you to know

Following Diane Keaton’s passing, fans and fellow celebrities shared heartfelt tributes and memories online. In a statement to People, her family expressed their gratitude.

“The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” said Keaton’s family.

They also shared a touching way to honor her legacy: “She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her,” said Keaton’s family.

While Diane Keaton’s passing reminds us of pneumonia’s serious impact, her legacy also inspires us to take action for our own health and our communities.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.