A Life in Two Acts: Diane Keaton’s On-Screen Triumphs and Off-Screen Health Wars

Diane Keaton, who has died at 79, lived a life that could be seen in two acts: the celebrated, award-winning actress on screen, and the private warrior off-screen who contended with severe, life-altering health issues. Her story is one of incredible professional success juxtaposed with deeply personal struggles against skin cancer and bulimia.
The first act of her health wars began at 21 with a skin cancer diagnosis. This led to her signature hats, a sartorial choice born of medical necessity. Citing a family history of the disease, Keaton’s fashion became a subtle but constant conversation about sun protection and health awareness, a theme that would recur throughout her life.
Her fight with skin cancer was a long and challenging one, with multiple diagnoses and two surgeries for squamous cell cancer. She spoke openly about the “stupid” mistakes of her youth, namely not using sunblock, and in doing so, offered a frank and relatable warning about the lasting consequences of sun damage.
The second, more hidden act of her off-screen life was her battle with bulimia. Triggered by the pressures of Hollywood, her eating disorder escalated into a full-blown addiction. Her candid description of consuming 20,000 calories in a single binge was a shocking look behind the curtain of fame, revealing a deep well of private pain.
Recovery through therapy marked the triumphant final act of her personal journey. It allowed her to build a family and to finally speak her truth, not as a victim, but as a fellow traveler. “I think I’m a sister to all the rest of the women,” she wrote, ensuring her legacy would be one of both artistic brilliance and human connection.