"I tell myself I'm free to do whatever the hell I want with my body. Why not? I may be a caricature of my former self; I'm still wearing wide-belted plaid coats, horn-rimmed glasses, and turtlenecks in the summertime. So what? Nobody cares but me."
Yesterday's shocking announcement of the sudden death of the awesome Diane Keaton, whose photo and quote appear above, has hit me hard. Just six months older than I, she seemed like a personal friend despite my never having met her. Keaton exhibited many admirable qualities, making her a role model for healthy aging and staying true to herself despite being 79 and living in Hollywood -- ground zero for plastic surgery and phoniness. Just a few of her unique qualities follow.
1. Unlike so many other Hollywood icons, she refused to hide her age or appear younger through Botox, surgery, lip injections, eye jobs or cheek implants. Instead she proudly displayed her natural wrinkles with grace, calling them her "battle scars."
2. Indifferent to passing fads, Keaton always dressed in her own quirky style, never caving in to the ridiculous fashion expectations demanded of superstars.
3. She never married, despite having longtime romantic relationships with some of filmdom's greatest stars: Warren Beatty, Woody Allen, Al Pacino and possibly Keanu Reeves, although that last one was never confirmed by either party.
4. She admitted having no maternal urge to be a mother, but at some point decided it was a good idea and so adopted and raised two children.
5. She wasn't an alcoholic or druggie, never entered rehab and seemed completely sane, happy and down to earth despite the crazy world of show business she inhabited.
6. Unlike many of today's mediocre stars (think Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon) who hawk their almost-naked bodies as if they alone have breasts, butts and thighs, Keaton always remained a lady.
The skies above Hollywood are dimmer today.
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