Diane Keaton: The Hidden Battle Behind Her Iconic Hats and Turtlenecks

Diane Keaton was more than a Hollywood legend — she was a style icon whose signature look became as famous as her roles. The wide-brimmed hats, turtlenecks, and tailored suits weren’t just fashion choices. They were part of a deeply personal story that only now, after her passing, has come fully to light.

A Star Who Defined an Era

Keaton, celebrated for unforgettable performances in The Godfather, Annie Hall, and The First Wives Club, passed away on October 11, 2025, in Los Angeles at age 79. Over her five-decade career, she earned an Academy Award, BAFTA, two Golden Globes, and several Emmy and Tony nominations.

Yet, those closest to her noticed a concerning change before her death. Longtime friend and songwriter Carole Bayer Sager told People that Keaton appeared “shockingly thin” just weeks earlier, describing the transformation as sudden and worrying.

Fashion as Armor

For decades, fans adored Keaton’s offbeat, confident style — her hats, gloves, and layered clothing. But behind the chic exterior was a practical reason. In a 2015 Los Angeles Times interview, Keaton revealed she had spent most of her life battling skin cancer.

Her first diagnosis came at just 21 years old, when doctors found basal cell carcinoma. The disease ran in her family.

“My aunt’s case was so severe that doctors had to remove her nose. My father and my brother had it too,” she explained.

That family history turned her into a lifelong advocate for sun protection. “I never leave the house without sunscreen,” she said.

A Lifelong Struggle

Keaton admitted she once ignored the dangers of sun exposure — something she later called “stupid.” By her forties, she had learned her lesson, becoming meticulous about covering up and wearing SPF 50 daily.

She later faced squamous cell carcinoma, which required multiple surgeries. Still, she refused to let illness define her.

In a 2019 interview with InStyle, Keaton explained how her trademark style served both physical and emotional needs.

“It hides a multitude of sins — flaws, anxiety,” she said. “I would not feel comfortable in a short skirt or something sleeveless. Hats just frame a head — I’ve always loved them.”

Her Message Lives On

Even in her later years, Keaton urged others to protect their skin and learn from her experience. “You’ve got to wear sunscreen,” she often reminded fans, crediting it as her daily armor.

Now, as Hollywood mourns her loss, the world sees her style through a new lens. Those elegant turtlenecks and hats weren’t just fashion — they were courage, wisdom, and survival stitched together.

Diane Keaton’s legacy endures — not only in the roles she played but in the quiet strength behind her unforgettable look.