Diane Keaton’s death at 79 closes the book on a life lived with both visible and invisible scars. The celebrated actress, known for her privacy, bravely chose to reveal the stories behind those scars: a decades-long battle with skin cancer that left its mark physically, and a severe eating disorder that left deep psychological wounds.
The seen scars were the result of her fight with skin cancer. After an early diagnosis at 21, she underwent multiple treatments, including two surgeries for squamous cell cancer. Her hats were a stylish way to cover and protect, but they were also a symbol of a lasting physical battle and a reminder of the permanent mark the disease left on her life.
The unseen scars came from her long struggle with bulimia. This battle, which began with a push to lose weight for a role, was fought in secret for years. Keaton described it as an addiction that led her to consume “a bucket of chicken, several orders of fries… a whole cake and three banana cream pies” in a single sitting, a vivid illustration of the deep-seated pain she was trying to soothe.
Healing involved confronting both sets of scars. For her skin, it meant constant vigilance and advocacy for sun protection. For her soul, it meant intensive therapy to address the root causes of her addiction. This difficult work allowed her to finally heal the wounds that no one else could see.
By sharing the stories of all her scars, seen and unseen, Keaton offered a powerful message of hope and solidarity. She showed that it is possible to live a full, beautiful life not in spite of one’s wounds, but because of the strength gained in healing them.
