Here’s The Sad Reason Why Diane Keaton Always Wore Hats And Turtlenecks
Hollywood icon Diane Keaton, celebrated for her distinctive fashion and acclaimed performances, has passed away at the age of 79 in Los Angeles. Known for her roles in The Godfather, Annie Hall, and The First Wives Club, Keaton left behind a cinematic legacy spanning over five decades. But as tributes pour in from across the world, new details have emerged about the deeply personal reason behind her famous covered-up wardrobe — a reason tied to a private struggle with skin cancer.
Friends and colleagues have shared that Keaton appeared noticeably frail in her final weeks. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, one of her closest friends, described seeing her shortly before her death: “She’d become extremely thin.” Sager noted that the change in Keaton’s appearance was both sudden and alarming.
For decades, Keaton’s signature look — wide-brimmed hats, layered clothing, and tailored suits — was considered one of Hollywood’s most iconic fashion statements. But in a 2015 interview, the Oscar-winning actress revealed that her style choices were born not only from creativity but also necessity. “I’ve had many skin cancers,” she admitted, explaining that her first diagnosis came when she was just 21 years old. The disease had struck several members of her family, including her aunt, father, and brother.
Her fashion became a shield. “My aunt’s case was so severe that doctors had to remove her nose,” she said. From that moment forward, Keaton made a vow to protect her skin. She began covering up, avoiding sun exposure, and never leaving home without sunscreen. Though she was initially careless about sun care, she later called her early habits “stupid” and said she only became vigilant in her forties.
As Hollywood celebrates her life, fans now understand that Keaton’s wardrobe was more than a trademark — it was a reflection of resilience and a quiet fight against a disease she rarely discussed publicly.