The passing of Diane Keaton at age 79 has prompted an outpouring of tributes celebrating her iconic career. However, a full portrait of the actress must include the formidable personal battles she waged against chronic health conditions. Keaton was remarkably open about her lifelong struggles with skin cancer and bulimia, defining her life with a courage that went far beyond her on-screen roles.
Keaton’s famous penchant for wearing hats was a direct result of her fight with skin cancer, which began with a diagnosis at just 21 years old. She often spoke about the genetic link, noting a family history that included her father, brother, and an aunt whose case was so severe her nose was removed. This personal history turned her into a walking advocate for sun safety.
Her experience with skin cancer was not a single incident but a recurring challenge. She was treated for basal cell carcinoma and later underwent two surgeries for squamous cell cancer. In interviews, she admitted her regret over not using sunblock in her 20s, a mistake she felt had lasting consequences and one she hoped her story could help others avoid.
Away from the public eye, she endured a harrowing struggle with bulimia. Triggered by career pressures, the eating disorder led her to consume shocking amounts of food—up to 20,000 calories daily. She referred to this period with stark honesty, calling herself an “addict” and detailing the chaotic binges that controlled her life for years.
The turning point came when she committed to intensive therapy. Her recovery was a testament to her strength and paved the way for her to become a mother in her 50s. Keaton chose to share these vulnerable parts of her life in her book, “Then Again,” not for pity, but to foster a sense of shared experience, solidifying her legacy as a woman of immense talent and even greater fortitude.