Diane Keaton’s Heartfelt Reaction to Being Named Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year in 1991

Diane Keaton honored by Hasty Pudding Club as she was named Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ Woman of the Year in 1991.
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Janet Knott/The Boston Globe via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals annually recognizes a Man and Woman of the Year for their contributions to entertainment.
• Diane Keaton was honored in 1991, following her roles in all three Godfather films and her directorial debut.
• Members of the 1991 HPT reflect on their experiences honoring the actress, who passed away in October 2025 at 79.

As Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals prepares to celebrate the 2026 Man and Woman of the Year, they are also reminiscing about a past honoree.

In 1991, Hasty Pudding Theatricals bestowed the honor on Diane Keaton for her significant contributions to film. Following Keaton’s passing at 79 in October 2025, members of the organization shared their memories of that memorable day.

Mo Rocca, who served as president of Hasty Pudding Theatricals that year, reminisced about his time with the Annie Hall star.

“She was our Woman of the Year, and I was a totally enchanted 22-year-old college senior,” he recalled, highlighting three standout moments from the event.

Diane Keaton in 1990.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

“Early that morning, we waited nervously at the gate for her to arrive from Los Angeles. She hurried off the plane, a big smile on her face, accompanied by just one assistant. She didn’t carry herself like a celebrity at all,” he shared.

“There was no ‘bubble’ around her. Instead, she was engaged, looking around and commenting on everything. We were swept along by the Diane Keaton stream of consciousness,” he added.

Rocca noted Keaton’s humility, recalling her lighthearted comments about being honored.

“When we settled into the limo, she charmingly asked me and vice president Jason Tomarken, ‘Now wait a minute, why didn’t you guys ask Madonna?’ ” he said, laughing. “She genuinely seemed perplexed as to why she was chosen for the honor, which only made me admire her more.”

Diane Keaton in 1992.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Keaton’s warm demeanor continued to captivate attendees during an after-party, with many students surprised by her presence.

One student business manager, after a few drinks, asked her amid the music, “You’re Diane Keaton. I mean, what’s that like? Being Diane Keaton?” Rocca recalled. Keaton responded, “Honey, I only have a career because of Woody Allen.”

Jason Tomarken, the vice president of HPT, reflected on the lasting memories of that day.

“Diane was down to earth, warm, fun, and joyfully cool. She made the entire occasion even more special,” he expressed.

Diane Keaton in 2022.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

“I fondly remember our moments of laughter with her after the roast ceremony. Despite Mo and I being so honored to meet her, she treated us like castmates, giggling about the chaos of the day,” he said. “She was such a special person, and her absence is deeply felt.”

Suk Han, the event’s producer, described Keaton as “an incredibly talented artist.”

“She was a class act, from her signature style to her warm personality. It was a sincere honor to have her as our Woman of the Year in 1991,” he stated.