Why Diane Keaton Never Stopped Wearing Hats and Turtlenecks—The Heartbreaking Truth
The world has long admired Diane Keaton for her unmistakable charm, wit, and fearless individuality. With her tailored suits, turtlenecks, and wide-brimmed hats, she redefined Hollywood fashion — making unconventional elegance her personal trademark. But behind the iconic style that inspired generations was a private struggle that few knew about until after her passing.
Keaton, a trailblazing actress known for her roles in The Godfather, Annie Hall, and The First Wives Club, passed away on October 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. She was 79. Her career, which spanned over fifty years, brought her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award, BAFTA, two Golden Globes, and multiple Emmy and Tony nominations.
In the weeks before her death, friends began to notice troubling changes. Carole Bayer Sager, her longtime friend and songwriter, recalled seeing her appear “shockingly thin” and unwell, a transformation she described as “sudden and worrying.”
To the public, Diane Keaton’s bold fashion sense seemed like an expression of creative confidence — a reflection of her quirky and confident on-screen persona. But for the actress herself, it was far more personal. The hats, gloves, and layered clothing weren’t only aesthetic choices; they were her armor, both emotional and physical.
In a 2015 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Keaton opened up about her lifelong battle with skin cancer, a struggle that began when she was only 21 years old.
“My aunt’s case was so severe that doctors had to remove her nose. My father and my brother had it too,” she shared candidly. That family history made her vigilant about sun protection for the rest of her life.
“I never leave the house without sunscreen,” she emphasized — a habit that became part of her daily ritual.