Feminist Diane Keaton explains why she wishes that she had ‘bought herself a man’: ‘It’s a better way to go’

The famously eccentric and independent actress laments never settling down

Diane Keaton has depressingly said that she wishes she could have had a fairy-tale happy ending, complete with a nice prince.

Known for being one of cinema’s most individual and pioneering actresses, she broke conventions by pursuing roles that looked at the complexities of women; she never dressed in flowing gowns like her famous peers, preferring trouser suits; and decided to never got married – despite having had long-term relationships with Woody Allen, Warren Beatty and Al Pacino.

“It's not the worst tragedy. But I really wish I had bought myself a man,” she said. “A good man who would be a great father, I really do. I think it's a better way to go.”

The 68-year-old has, until now, always defended her decision not to settle down.

“I don't think that because I'm not married it's made my life any less,” she once said. “That old maid myth is garbage.”

However, now she says that she had an unrealistic idea of what it meant to be in a relationship. She has two adopted children, Dexter, 18, and Duke, 13.

“I think I was not practical,” she told People. “I had some insane idea that I had to be in love. Now I see what it really takes: real consideration that you're a good team together.”

The man she most wanted to have a future with was Al Pacino, but “he was even less inclined to be realistic than me”. The couple were together for five years, having worked with one another on The Godfather.

“I was on the cusp of being very old,” she added. “So that poor guy. I don't think he was really that interested. And I don't think a long-term happy marriage would be easy for him.“

In her twenties, she dated Woody Allen – who is currently facing allegations that he abused adopted daughter Dylan Farrow. The director has firmly denied all claims and Keaton believes him.

“I love Woody,” she said. “I don't want to say anything about [Dylan's accusations] except I'm Woody's friend and I believe him. That's the bottom line for me. I worry for him and everybody else involved, and I hope it works out the best for everyone.”

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Dylan Farrow open up about alleged abuse