Animal Lover Diane Keaton Reportedly Left Her Dog Reggie $5 Million in Her Will

Legendary Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton passed away this past Saturday, October 11 at the age of 79. Keaton was best known for her roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather, as well as her effortless and iconic style and sharp wit. She was also a huge animal rights advocate and a compassionate mom to her beloved golden retriever, Reggie. In fact, Keaton loved Reggie so much that it’s rumored she left the dog $5 million in her will. 

The truth of this statement can’t be confirmed yet, with the only sources being anonymous individuals and gossip outlets. One of these anonymous sources told Rob Shutter that, “Diane used to joke her great loves were her children, Al Pacino, architecture — and that dog.”

The ability to actually leave money to an animal varies state by state. In California, animals aren't considered people, so they can't directly inherit money. The best practice is to set up a trust and name a beneficiary that will use the money to buy all the Lambchop stuffies and Wagyu steaks a dog could ask for.

Regardless of the inheritance, it’s undeniable that Keaton was extremely devoted to Reggie — and was a tireless advocate for animals everywhere. 

Keaton served as a board member for the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a non-profit organization in San Diego county dedicated to connecting people and animals, for over 20 years. The animal center posted in honor of Keaton on Facebook and Instagram

“For over 20 years, Diane shared her heart and voice with our mission as a member of our board, helping animals and the people who love them,” the post reads. “Her passion, authenticity, and kindness inspired all of us. Our CEO, Mike Arms, shared, “She was a genuine person that really loved pets, no BS. That spirit of honesty and compassion is exactly how Diane lived her life, and we are so grateful for the years she spent with our Center family. Rest in peace, Diane. Your love for animals will continue to shine through all you inspired.”

According to the center’s official press release, Keaton first connected with the Helen Woodward Animal Center in 2001, when she agreed to be a celebrity spokesperson for one of their pet adoption campaigns. She continued to support the program and subsequently, the center awarded her the Helen Woodward Animal Center Humane Award in 2005. Keaton continued to support the center, often promoting it on her press tours and even bringing adoptable dogs to late night talk shows in order to find them forever homes. She pushed for legislation changes, such as the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which makes it illegal to own wildcats as pets, as well as numerous safety regulations for animals in the entertainment industry. 

Once in 2016, she even drove onto the side of a highway to assist a lost dog on the run. She brought the dog to the center, where they received the medical attention they needed, and eventually found a loving home. 

“It's impossible to count the number of lives that Diane has saved,” said Arms in the press release. “She was the real deal. The many years she committed to improving the lives of animals and encouraging families to adopt their pets from animal shelters has certainly had an overwhelming impact on untold numbers of animals around the world. She was a dear friend to the Center and to animals everywhere. She will be greatly missed.”