When you think of Diane Keaton, you probably picture the turtleneck-wearing, wide-brim-hat-loving icon from Annie Hall or The Godfather. She’s Hollywood royalty. But while she’s spent decades under the bright lights of movie sets, her kids have taken a wildly different path. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing. In an era where "nepo babies" are basically a national pastime, Diane Keaton’s children have managed to build lives that don't involve chasing Oscars or dodging paparazzi in Malibu.
So, what do Diane Keaton's children do for a living? The answer isn't a simple "they're actors too." In fact, they’re doing things that might actually surprise you.
Dexter Keaton: A Passion for Animals and a Private Life
Diane's oldest, Dexter Keaton (now Dexter White), was adopted back in 1996. While she grew up with a front-row seat to one of the most legendary careers in cinema, she never seemed bitten by the acting bug. Instead, she chose a path rooted in science and compassion.
Dexter decided to go into veterinary technology. She actually earned her associate’s degree from Carrington College in Pomona, California. It’s a career that’s miles away from the red carpet, focusing on the day-to-day care of animals rather than the glamour of film premieres.
Life in Ontario, California
Currently, Dexter lives a relatively quiet, "normal" life in Ontario, California. She married her husband, Jordan White, in 2021. If you're wondering what he does, he's actually a professional car racer sponsored by So-Cal Nitrous.
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You won't find Dexter in the tabloids. She’s active on Instagram, but it’s mostly photos of her husband, her late mother, and her dogs. It’s clear she values her privacy. She once mentioned how thankful she was to be raised by such a "strong, beautiful, and talented woman," but she's definitely her own person.
Duke Keaton: Making Waves in the Music Scene
Then there’s Duke. Adopted in 2001, Duke Keaton has always been a bit of a creative soul, but in a way that feels very modern and distinct from his mother's legacy.
When he was a kid, everyone thought he’d be a photographer. There’s this famous story about him sitting courtside at a Lakers game back in 2009. While most kids his age were staring at the players, Duke was busy snapping high-quality photos of Kobe Bryant. He clearly had an eye for it.
From Photography to the Recording Studio
As he’s grown up, his focus has shifted toward music and digital content. Duke is currently a recording artist and songwriter. He’s been linked to a music collective called 11:11 Records and has been seen spending time in the studio with major names like Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne.
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According to his official bio, Duke has deliberately taken a "quieter road." He wants his work to speak for itself before his last name does. He’s been working on his debut single and uses social media to share glimpses of his creative process.
- Dexter: Veterinary Technician / Student of Veterinary Science.
- Duke: Musician / Creative Content Creator.
Why They Didn't Follow the Hollywood Script
It’s pretty rare to see children of A-listers completely pivot away from the industry. Most of the time, they at least try a guest spot on a sitcom or a modeling gig. But Diane was always very open about the fact that her kids had "no interest" in what she did.
She once told People that she thought their lack of interest was "very healthy." She raised them as a single mother in her 50s and 60s, and it seems like that perspective—coming into motherhood later in life—really shaped how they see the world.
A Bond Beyond the Spotlight
Even though they didn't follow her career, they were incredibly close. When Diane received her AFI Life Achievement Award or did her Hand and Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Dexter and Duke were right there.
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They weren't there for the fame; they were there for their mom.
The Current Status of the Keaton Legacy
Following the passing of Diane Keaton in late 2025, many people have looked back at how she handled her family life. She didn't leave behind a dynasty of actors. She left behind a vet tech and a musician who seem genuinely grounded.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you’re looking to support their work, you can keep an eye on Duke Keaton’s social media for his upcoming music releases. For those curious about the family's values, Diane’s book Fashion First (released in late 2024) offers some great context on how she viewed her role as a mother and her desire for her children to find their own independence.
If you want to stay updated on the Keaton family's current projects:
- Follow Duke Keaton's official website for his debut music drops.
- Check out Dexter’s occasional public tributes which often highlight her work in the animal care field.
- Revisit Diane's interviews regarding "The Independence of Motherhood" to understand the foundation she built for them.
The takeaway here is pretty simple: you don't have to be who people expect you to be. Dexter and Duke are living proof of that.