The world is mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies — Diane Keaton, whose death on October 11, 2025, has left fans heartbroken. Behind her trademark turtlenecks, quirky wit, and dazzling smile, the Oscar-winning actress had suffered painful health battles that shadowed her life for decades.

A Quiet Decline No One Expected

Sources close to the “Annie Hall” star say the beloved actress “declined very suddenly,” leaving her inner circle “heartbroken” and in disbelief. A longtime friend revealed, “It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.”

As the end drew near, Keaton’s world grew smaller. The insider added, “In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.” Those words echo the quiet dignity with which she always faced life’s hardest moments.

Keaton’s lifelong fight with illness began shockingly early. At just 21, she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Years later, she faced squamous cell carcinoma, enduring two surgeries to remove cancerous cells.

Determined to protect others from the same fate, the actress became a fierce advocate for sun safety. She joined L’Oréal Paris in 2006 as a spokeswoman, proudly declaring that she never went anywhere without the brand’s sunblock.

Reflecting on her family’s medical history, Keaton once said, “It’s a family history. I remember my Auntie Martha had skin cancer so bad they removed her nose. My father had basal skin cancer and my brother had it. It’s tricky with this skin cancer. That’s why you’ve got to put the sunblock on. [sic]”

However, she also admitted she learned the hard way, confessing she neglected skin protection in her youth. “I didn’t start sun care until my 40s,” she said regretfully, calling her earlier carelessness “stupid.”

A Secret Struggle with Bulimia

Long before Hollywood glamorized thinness, the actress was fighting a devastating eating disorder that nearly destroyed her. At just 20, while preparing for a Broadway role, she was told to lose 10 pounds — a demand that triggered a spiral into bulimia. In a 2014 interview with Dr. Oz, Keaton opened up about the dark truth:

“All I did was feed my hunger, so I am an addict. It’s true. I’m an addict in recovery, I’ll always be an addict. I have an addictive nature to me [sic].”

Her description of her eating habits at the height of her illness remains shocking. The actress confessed she would consume 20,000 calories a day — a feast of fried chicken, French fries with blue cheese and ketchup, television dinners, an entire cake, three banana cream pies, and pounds of candy — only to purge afterward.

The Turning Point Toward Recovery

Eventually, Keaton sought help after someone close to her raised concerns. “Somebody mentioned that I seemed to have some mental issues, so I went to an analyst,” she recalled. Her path to healing began with five therapy sessions a week, a grueling emotional process that helped her regain control over her life and body.

Even as fame and awards followed, the actress rarely spoke publicly about her struggles. But in private, she faced them with quiet resilience, finding strength in introspection rather than spectacle.

A Legacy of Resilience and Grace

Keaton’s life was far more complex than the bright smiles and playful eccentricity she projected onscreen. Beneath the glamour was a woman who endured deep personal battles — and yet managed to inspire millions through her candor, wit, and authenticity.

Her story serves as a poignant reminder that even the most luminous stars face darkness behind the spotlight. Though she kept much of her pain private, Keaton’s courage and honesty in confronting her illnesses will remain part of her enduring legacy.

As previously reported, in her last months, the fiercely private star quietly embraced the things that mattered most: a lifelong dream finally realized, a devoted dog by her side, and a world that never stopped loving her.

She was known for her iconic roles, razor-sharp suits, and unforgettable charm — but no one was ready for this. In a devastating blow to fans around the world, Keaton died at 79, leaving Hollywood in shock and mourning.

But in the quiet months before her untimely passing, the notoriously private star was quietly savoring life’s simplest joys — her beloved golden retriever, Reggie, and a lifelong dream she finally made real.