Diane Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, lived her final months away from the spotlight, staying true to her private nature. Known for her memorable roles in classics like Annie Hall, The Godfather trilogy, Father of the Bride, and Something’s Gotta Give, Keaton passed away in California at the age of 79. A family representative confirmed her passing, though no official cause of death has been released.
While Keaton never publicly disclosed any serious health conditions in the months leading up to her death, she had spoken candidly in years past about some of her health struggles. Among them were her long-term battles with cancer and bulimia, two issues that shaped her life both physically and emotionally.
In particular, her trademark wide-brimmed hats were more than just a style statement. They symbolized a very personal health precaution. Diagnosed with skin cancer at just 21, Keaton was deeply aware of the risks associated with sun exposure.
“It’s a family history,” she told the Los Angeles Times in 2015. “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.”
Despite the early warning signs, Keaton admitted that she didn’t take proper care of her skin until much later.
“Back in my 20s I didn’t pay attention much,” she admitted. “I didn’t research and didn’t really care and that was stupid because it’s dogged me my entire adult life, even recently. I didn’t start sun care until my 40s.”
Her early diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma in her twenties was only the beginning. Later in life, she was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer, a more aggressive form of skin cancer that required two surgeries to remove.
In the months before her death, Keaton’s health reportedly declined quite suddenly. A close friend shared with People magazine:
“She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,” the friend said, adding, “In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private,” the source added. “Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.”
There was one subtle sign that something was amiss earlier this year. In March, Keaton surprised her circle by putting her cherished Los Angeles home on the market for $29 million. It was a move that raised eyebrows, especially since she had once expressed her desire to live in the house permanently.
Beyond her film career, Keaton had built a second legacy as a real estate investor and home restoration expert. Known for her passion for architecture, especially Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and mid-century modern designs, Keaton made a fortune flipping high-end properties. As per reports, Keaton leaves behind an estimated $100 million fortune.
Her impressive real estate portfolio included numerous high-profile deals. In 2007, she purchased a 100-year-old mansion for $8.1 million, renovated it, and sold it to American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy for $10 million. She also flipped a Bel Air estate, selling it in 2005 for $16.5 million, and made a significant profit from a Laguna Beach property bought for $7.5 million and sold for $12.75 million two years later.
Since the death of the Hollywood icon, several celebrities have paid their heartfelt tributes, including Minnie Driver.
The actress and singer took to social media and wrote, expressing shock, “Surely not. What an absolute heartbreak.”
She continued while praising Keaton, “[She was] the most generous — gave me advice, read scripts for opinion, told me to toughen up. So beloved by so many. Iconic artist. How lucky we were to have all been here at the same time.”