In a remarkably candid revelation that has stunned the entertainment world, Hollywood icon Diane Keaton has disclosed her decades-long secret battle with bulimia, a struggle that began in her vulnerable teenage years and shadowed her rise to international fame.
The Hidden Struggle Behind the Smile
The 78-year-old Academy Award winner, known for her distinctive style and beloved roles in classics like Annie Hall and Something's Gotta Give, confessed that her eating disorder started at just 15 years old. "I was a teenager when it began," Keaton revealed, painting a poignant picture of the painful reality behind her successful Hollywood facade.
A Pattern of Secret Suffering
Keaton described how her bulimia manifested as a cycle of binge eating followed by purging, a destructive pattern that continued even as she achieved cinematic success. "I would eat and then make myself sick," she shared, highlighting the compulsive nature of the disorder that dominated significant portions of her life.
The Turning Point: Confronting the Truth
The actress's journey toward recovery began with a moment of stark self-realisation. "I remember looking at myself in the mirror and finally admitting I had a problem," Keaton recalled. This moment of clarity marked the beginning of her difficult path to healing, though she acknowledges the struggle didn't end overnight.
From Anorexia to Bulimia
Keaton's eating disorder journey actually began with anorexia before evolving into bulimia. She described how her relationship with food and body image became increasingly distorted during her formative years, a common progression among those suffering from eating disorders.
Breaking the Hollywood Silence
By sharing her story, Keaton joins a growing number of celebrities breaking the silence around mental health and eating disorders in the entertainment industry. Her openness provides hope and visibility for countless others battling similar demons, particularly in image-conscious Hollywood.
The Long Road to Recovery
While Keaton didn't specify exactly when she achieved full recovery, she emphasised that overcoming bulimia was a gradual process requiring tremendous self-awareness and determination. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of recovery, even after decades of struggle.
A Message of Hope and Healing
Now in her late seventies, Keaton stands as a beacon of hope for those still fighting their own battles with eating disorders. Her willingness to discuss such a personal and painful chapter of her life demonstrates remarkable courage and offers inspiration to millions affected by similar conditions worldwide.
The actress's revelation underscores the important truth that eating disorders don't discriminate—they can affect anyone, regardless of success, wealth, or public perception. Keaton's story adds a powerful voice to the ongoing conversation about mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help.
