How Old Was Diane Keaton's Kids When She Adopted Them

So, picture this: you’re at a quiet dinner party, and someone drops the bomb that Diane Keaton—yes, Annie Hall herself—decided to become a mom later in life. You nod, thinking, “Good for her,” but then your brain snags on a tiny, nosy question: How old were her kids when she adopted them? I don’t know about you, but I love these little timeline details. They make a celebrity story feel less like a glossy headline and more like a real, messy, beautiful life choice.

Let’s rewind a bit. Diane Keaton didn’t just wake up one morning and say, “I’ll adopt two kids, why not?” No, she built her family slowly—over a decade, actually. Her first adoption came in 1996, when she was 50 years old. That’s right: at an age when most people are planning retirement or downsizing their house, she was shopping for baby bottles. The child she adopted was a baby girl, and she named her Dexter. Wait, does that name throw you off too? It’s unique, sure, but it fits that quirky, unapologetic Keaton vibe.

Now, here’s the part that makes you tilt your head: Dexter was an infant when Diane brought her home. We’re talking newborn, barely-a-few-months-old territory. Imagine the chaos: Diane, already an Oscar-winning actress, suddenly dealing with 3 AM feedings and diaper blowouts. That’s a plot twist no scriptwriter could have predicted. But the real kicker? She didn’t stop there. Seven years later, in 2003, at age 57, she adopted another baby—a little boy named Duke. Yes, Duke. Because why not keep the alliteration going?

The Age Gap That Raises Eyebrows

So, to answer your nosy question directly: Diane Keaton’s kids were both infants when she adopted them. Dexter was a newborn, and Duke was also a baby—probably around a few months old. That means she didn’t adopt an older child or a teenager, which might surprise some people. She went full “newborn marathon” twice, with a seven-year rest break in between. Talk about commitment.

And here’s where I get a little ironic: at 50 and 57, most of us are thinking about knee replacements, not kindergarten registration. But Diane? She just shrugged and said, “Why not start over?” It’s almost rebellious. You half-expect her to wear a fedora while changing diapers.

Los herederos del patrimonio de Diane Keaton: dos hijos que adoptó con

The “Why Now?” Factor

You might wonder, why adopt infants so late in life? Diane herself has been refreshingly open about it. She once admitted that she spent her younger years prioritizing her career and relationships—which, let’s be honest, is a very human thing. By the time she felt ready, the biological clock had basically waved a white flag. So she chose adoption, and she chose babies because… well, maybe she wanted the full experience? Or maybe she just has a soft spot for tiny toes. Your guess is as good as mine.

But here’s the beautiful irony: she wanted the chaos of raising small humans, and she absolutely got it. In interviews, she’s joked about surviving the “terrible twos” as a “fifty-something rookie.” I love that image—a legendary actress covered in baby spit-up, running on coffee and sheer willpower.

Who are Diane Keaton's family? The two children who were adopted by

What It Means for Us, the Peeking Neighbors

So why do we care about these numbers? Because Diane Keaton’s story is a quiet middle finger to the idea that there’s a “right age” to become a parent. She adopted her kids at 50 and 57—ages where society sometimes whispers, “Aren’t you a little old for this?” And she replied by raising them into their twenties. Today, Dexter is in her late 20s, Duke is in his early 20s, and they’re both thriving. She did that.

It’s also a reminder that adoption isn’t a fallback plan; it’s a first-choice adventure. Diane didn’t adopt because she “had to.” She chose it, wholeheartedly, with all the sleep deprivation and joy that comes with infants. If that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.

Found Family! Celebrity Parents With Heartwarming Adoption Stories

The Real Takeaway

So, the next time you see a photo of Diane Keaton, looking effortlessly chic with her grown kids, remember: she started this ride when most folks are getting AARP mailers. Her kids were infants, not toddlers or teens. She changed diapers at an age when other women are becoming grandmothers. And honestly? That’s kind of iconic.

So go ahead, adopt at 50. Or 57. Or 60. Diane Keaton proved that the only thing that matters is the love you bring—not the number on your birth certificate. And also, maybe name your kid something starting with “D.” It looks good on a marquee.