Diane Keaton, a beloved figure in Hollywood celebrated for her versatile career as an actor, author, director, and singer, has chosen to share her personal struggles in the face of unwarranted public criticism. Her candid disclosure brings to light the profound impact of online negativity, even on esteemed individuals like herself, particularly when they grapple with eating disorders.
In an age where digital words can cut as deep as any weapon, Keaton found herself on the receiving end of hurtful online comments following her appearance at the Golden Globe Awards in January 2014. While standing on stage to accept the prestigious Cecille B. DeMille Award on behalf of Woody Allen, she endured cruel remarks about her weight, being labeled as “fat,” and described as “ugly inside and out.” Yet, the ramifications of these comments stretched far beyond the initial sting.
With remarkable courage, Keaton chose to address these issues on an episode of “Dr. Oz” in May 2014, where she disclosed her ongoing struggle with bulimia and her tumultuous relationship with food. This battle had been a constant companion throughout her life, from her early days on the stage to her breakthrough role in “The Godfather” (1972). Throughout her illustrious career, Keaton left an indelible mark on the entertainment world, captivating audiences with her portrayal of complex characters in films like “Annie Hall” (1977) and “Father of the Bride” (1991), earning accolades such as an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Her relentless work ethic and her ability to breathe life into her roles set her apart.
Beyond her on-screen triumphs, Keaton’s collaborations with cinematic icons like Al Pacino, Woody Allen, and Jack Nicholson not only showcased her acting prowess but also unveiled her captivating personality. While her relationships with some of Hollywood’s leading men garnered attention, Keaton remained unwaveringly committed to her craft.
Behind the glitz and glamour, Keaton grappled with a severe eating disorder, a condition exacerbated by societal pressures and personal insecurities. She candidly shared her battle with bulimia, detailing a painful cycle of excessive food consumption followed by purging in a relentless pursuit of a certain appearance. “All I did was feed my hunger. So I was an addict,” Keaton acknowledged. During one revealing moment on the “Dr. Oz” show, she learned that she was consuming a staggering 20,000 calories daily before purging it all.
A typical dinner for Keaton comprised a bucket of chicken, multiple orders of fries with blue cheese and ketchup, several TV dinners, a quart of soda, pounds of candy, an entire cake, and three banana cream pies—a stark testament to the depths of her struggle.
This self-destructive cycle, shrouded in secrecy, began early in her career and persisted for decades until an intervention prompted her to consider the possibility of a concurrent mental health issue. Subsequently, Keaton sought therapy five days a week, though she admitted to deceiving her therapist for an entire year. “One day I stopped,” Keaton recounted. “I never ever did it again. I just stopped, and I don’t even know why.”
Keaton then emerged as a passionate advocate for self-acceptance and embracing the natural process of aging. At the age of 50, she bravely embraced motherhood as a single parent to two adopted children. In a heartfelt essay for the Daily Beast, she proudly proclaimed her willingness to display the “battle scars” of aging—a sentiment that resonates deeply with individuals seeking to liberate themselves from the constrictions of societal expectations. Keaton’s ability to confront her inner demons positioned her as an inspiring role model for women grappling with body image issues.
Despite the hurtful comments and judgments, Diane Keaton exuded an aura of self-assuredness that attested to her resilience and inner strength. Isn’t it truly remarkable that she triumphed over her body image struggles? Perhaps you know someone who can relate to Keaton’s journey—please share this story with them. And for those grappling with eating disorders, or if you know someone who is, please visit Eating Disorder Hope for valuable information, hotlines, and assistance resources in your area.