Steve Martin and Martin Short brought their Las Vegas audience to tears as they paused their comedy show to honor their late Father of the Bride co-star Diane Keaton, who passed away at 79, turning a night of laughter into an unforgettable, emotional tribute to one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons.

Remembering Diane Keaton: See Steve Martin and Martin Short's Loving Tribute

Las Vegas isn’t known for quiet moments, but on Saturday night, the laughter stopped.

During the final stop of their comedy tour, Steve Martin and Martin Short paused their show to honor a woman who helped define their careers and shape Hollywood itself — their beloved Father of the Bride co-star, Diane Keaton.

The tribute took place at The Wynn Las Vegas, just hours after news broke that Keaton had passed away that morning at the age of 79.

The comedy legends, known for their razor-sharp humor and playful chemistry, turned uncharacteristically solemn as they stood center stage.

Behind them, a large screen projected an image of Keaton in her signature wide-brimmed hat and bright smile — the look that became her trademark.

“Diane wasn’t just our co-star,” Martin said softly, holding a champagne glass.

“She was the heart of the film, the warmth behind every scene, and one of the most fearless people I’ve ever met.

” His voice cracked slightly as he continued, “If you knew Diane, you knew laughter.

But you also knew she was real — she felt things deeply, loved people deeply, and never apologized for who she was.”

The audience, filled with fans who grew up watching Keaton’s films, remained silent.

When Martin Short raised his own glass and added, “Here’s to Diane — for reminding us that being different is the most beautiful thing of all,” the theater erupted in applause.

The two comedians then shared an embrace before asking the audience to join them in a standing ovation — not for themselves, but for Keaton.

For nearly a minute, the packed crowd stood, clapping and cheering through tears.

 

Steve Martin, Martin Short Toast to Diane Keaton in Moving Moment

 

Some in the front row could be seen wiping their eyes, while others mouthed her name like a prayer.

The emotional moment marked a rare shift in tone for Martin and Short, whose tour — You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today! — has been celebrated for its biting wit and nostalgic comedy.

But for a few brief minutes, the humor gave way to heartbreak, as the pair remembered the woman who once played the loving, exasperated mother opposite Martin in Father of the Bride (1991) and its 1995 sequel.

Following the performance, fans took to social media to share videos and memories, calling the tribute “the most touching moment of the year.

” One audience member wrote, “You could feel how much they loved her.

It wasn’t just an act — it was family saying goodbye.”

Keaton, an Academy Award-winning actress, left behind a legacy that spanned more than five decades — from her early days opposite Woody Allen in Annie Hall, to her iconic roles in The Godfather trilogy, Something’s Gotta Give, and Reds.

Steve Martin Honors Diane Keaton With Heartfelt Tribute

Her quirky fashion sense, signature voice, and unapologetic authenticity made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring figures.

While no official cause of death has been released, sources close to the family have described her passing as “peaceful.

” In recent years, Keaton had spoken candidly about aging, solitude, and the joy of motherhood, often sharing glimpses of her life with her two adopted children on social media.

As the Las Vegas crowd dispersed that night, the echoes of her name lingered.

Martin and Short, visibly emotional, exited the stage arm in arm — a quiet reminder that even the funniest people in the world aren’t immune to grief.

In an industry often defined by ego and excess, Diane Keaton stood apart — a woman who laughed at herself, who dared to age on her own terms, and who turned vulnerability into art.

Steve Martin summed it up best as the lights dimmed: “There will never be another Diane Keaton.

But if we’re lucky, there will always be a little of her in all of us.”

That night, Las Vegas — the city that never sleeps — fell silent in her honor.