Everybody loves juicy secrets, especially when it comes from Manhattan's elite. Ryan Murphy's anthology series, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans gives us a look into the affluent lives of Truman Capote and his 'swans;' one of which was Slim Keith. Who was Slim Keith in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans?
Who Were Capote's Swans?
Truman Capote wrote a roman à clef entitled Answered Prayers. Esquire magazine published a chapter from the tell-all excerpt, entitled La Côte Basque, 1965, which caused quite a stir among New York's high society.
This chapter revealed Capote's social circle and highlighted the inner secrets of his "Swans." Although these women were his friends, he revealed them as catty backstabbers.
Among the women he called his Swans were Slim Keith, Babe Paley, C.Z. Guest, Lee Radziwill, Ann Woodward, and Joanne Carson.
Although Capote initially thought this excerpt from Answered Prayers would turn into his masterpiece, it did the opposite. Capote became a social pariah and this damaged his career.
Let's take a look at one of Capote's Swans, Slim Keith.
Who Was Slim Keith in Real Life?
In real life, Slim Keith from Feud: Capote vs. The Swans was Mary Raye Gross aka Nancy Keith or Lady Keith of Castleacre. She was an American socialite and fashion icon between the 50s and 60s.
Keith had three husbands: American film director Howard Hawks, American producer Leland Hayward, and finally, British banker and aristocrat, Kenneth Keith. The latter was also known as Baron Keith of Castleacre.
Out of the 'Swans,' Keith and Babe Paley (Barbara Cushing Mortimer Paley) were the only ones whom Capote indiscreetly used as inspiration for his novel.
Keith's nickname in Capote's novel was taken after her nickname "Slim" in the Hollywood social scene. She was also called the original 'California Girl.'
Keith had been credited for discovering actress Lauren Bacall.
For a time, Keith worked as a model. She appeared in Harper's Bazaar at the age of 22. And like the other Swans, Keith frequently topped best-dressed lists.
She was said to have attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Clark Gable.
Who Plays Slim Keith in Capote vs The Swans?
In Feud: Capote vs The Swans, the role of Slim Keith is portrayed by Diane Lane, who earned her fame for starring in films like Unfaithful, The Outsiders, and Under the Tuscan Sun. She also voices the mom in the Pixar series, Inside Out.
In the FX series, Keith is portrayed as the most steadfast in excluding Capote after his betrayal. When Babe was on her deathbed, she expressed a desire to make peace with Capote.
Keith, however, continued to stand her ground and uphold the values of a society she has long protected.
Keith died in 1990 at the age of 73. She leaves behind one child, Kitty Hawks.
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