Legendary actor Al Pacino is said to be filled with regret over never marrying Diane Keaton, his longtime love and co-star from The Godfather trilogy, following her death at the age of 79 in California on Saturday.

The Hollywood icons shared a relationship that spanned nearly two decades, marked by passion, distance, and deep admiration.

Their on-and-off romance began in 1974 and ended in 1990 after Keaton reportedly gave Pacino an ultimatum — marriage or separation. He chose the latter, a decision he now reportedly mourns.

“He’ll forever regret it,” says insider

According to a source quoted by the Daily Mail, Pacino has been reflecting deeply on his past since Keaton’s passing.

“I know he will forever regret he didn’t make his move when he had the chance,” the insider revealed.

The source further told Page Six that for years, Pacino would often say, “If it’s meant to be, it’s never too late for a do-over.” But now, the opportunity has passed.

Pacino has always spoken fondly of Keaton, describing her as “an amazing woman” and acknowledging that she remained the great love of his life.

Pacino and Keaton’s romance blossomed after meeting on the set of The Godfather, where Keaton played his on-screen love interest, Kay Adams. Their chemistry soon transcended the screen, turning into one of Hollywood’s most talked-about love stories.

Despite living just miles apart in Beverly Hills for decades, the two never rekindled their romance. When asked why, Pacino reportedly said, “There’s no need to talk with each other. We said everything that needed to be said at the time.”

Keaton’s reflections: “It was blessing we never married”

In a 2017 interview with The Sunday Times, Diane Keaton reflected on her relationship with Pacino, admitting that while she once hoped for marriage, it was ultimately better that it never happened.

“I didn’t even want him to propose,” she said. “I thought maybe he would marry me, eventually. But that never happened — and that is a blessing for both of us. It would have been a nightmare for him.”

Keaton explained that their personalities were simply too different to make a marriage work. “We’re very eccentric,” she said. “He needed a woman to take care of him, and I needed a man to take care of me. It was just very important that we left each other alone, said goodbye. But it wasn’t my choice.”