Diane Keaton died from pneumonia at 79: From Top Gun's Val Kilmer to Dheeraj Kumar to Kim Joo-young, 6 celebs who died from lung-related issues

Hollywood and global cinema fans are mourning the loss of legendary actor Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79 due to pneumonia on October 11, 2025. The family officially confirmed it as reported by People. Keaton, celebrated for her iconic roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather, was admired for her authenticity, independence, and captivating performances that left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Keaton’s family shared the news with heartfelt words, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming messages of love and support they have received from fans around the globe. Beyond her early breakout films, Keaton continued to charm audiences in The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, and Baby Boom, cementing her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile performers.


Unfortunately, Keaton is not the only celebrity whose life was cut short by pneumonia, a lung-related illness that can be particularly dangerous for older adults.
Dheeraj Kumar
Veteran Indian actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar passed away at 79 after a battle with pneumonia. According to TOI report, he had been hospitalised at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and placed on ventilator support, but succumbed to the illness, leaving fans and colleagues mourning his sudden departure.

Val Kilmer
Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, also died from pneumonia at the age of 65 in April 2025. The star had previously recovered from throat cancer, but pneumonia proved fatal despite his earlier triumph over illness.

Kim Joo-Young
South Korean actor Kim Joo-young passed away at 73 on September 30, 2025. He was widely recognised for his work in historical dramas, and his death marked a sad loss for the Korean entertainment industry. His family confirmed the news of his death on October 1 and stated that the actor was suffering from pneumonia and succumbed to it.


Kenneth Colley
Pneumonia has also claimed other notable figures from both Hollywood and television. Kenneth Colley, remembered for portraying Admiral Piett in the Star Wars series, died at 87 after developing pneumonia following a COVID-19 infection.

Bruce Paltrow
Besides this, TV producer and filmmaker Bruce Paltrow, father of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, passed away at 58 due to complications related to pneumonia and throat cancer while attending a family event in Rome.

Barbie Hsu
Even younger stars have been affected. Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, famed for her role in the 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia at the age of 48 while visiting Japan, according to reports confirmed by her sister. Her sudden demise shocked fans across Asia and beyond.

The common thread connecting these losses is the seriousness of pneumonia, which can pose severe risks even to otherwise healthy individuals, especially when combined with age or other health complications. The deaths of these beloved actors and filmmakers serve as a stark reminder of the importance of respiratory health and timely medical care.