When you think of Diane Keaton, you probably picture the wide-brimmed hats, the oversized turtlenecks, and that effortless "Annie Hall" quirk. She basically invented a style that was both high-fashion and incredibly protective. But for years, people wondered if those layers were just a fashion choice or if something deeper was going on.
Honestly, the truth is a mix of both. Did Diane Keaton have cancer? Yes, she did. But it wasn't a single "battle" like you see in the movies. It was a recurring health challenge that started way earlier than most people realize—when she was just 21 years old.
The Hollywood legend, who sadly passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79, spent most of her adult life dealing with the consequences of skin cancer. It's a story that involves family history, a bit of youthful regret, and a complete lifestyle overhaul that eventually defined her public image.
The Diagnosis That Started Everything at 21
Imagine being 21, just starting your career on Broadway in the musical Hair, and finding out you have cancer. That’s exactly what happened to Keaton. She was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common form of skin cancer.
While BCC is usually treatable and rarely life-threatening if caught early, it’s a wake-up call. Especially for someone as fair-skinned as Keaton.
She was always very blunt about why it happened. In a 2015 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she admitted that in her 20s, she just didn't care. She didn't use sunscreen. She didn't do "research." She just lived her life under the sun without a second thought. It's a classic case of "it won't happen to me" until it actually does.
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A Family History of the Disease
Keaton often mentioned that cancer "dogged" her entire adult life. It wasn't just her, either. The genetic component was heavy.
- Her Father: Dealt with basal cell carcinoma.
- Her Brother: Also struggled with the same diagnosis.
- Her Aunt Martha: This was the most "scary" example for Diane. Her aunt’s skin cancer was so aggressive that she actually had to have her nose removed.
Seeing that kind of physical toll on a family member changed her perspective, though it took a few decades for the full "hat-and-glove" wardrobe to become her permanent uniform.
Decades Later: The Second Bout
You might think that after a scare at 21, she would have been the poster child for SPF 50. But Keaton was the first to admit she was stubborn. She didn't actually start taking sun protection seriously until she hit her 40s.
By then, the damage from her younger years was already "baked in," so to speak.
Decades after her first diagnosis, she faced a more serious form of the disease: squamous cell carcinoma. This wasn't just a simple "spot" removal. She had to undergo two separate surgical procedures to clear the cancer from her cheek.
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This is likely why she became so synonymous with L'Oréal Paris and skin-care advocacy later in life. She wasn't just a celebrity spokesperson; she was someone who was literally keeping a bottle of sunscreen in her pocket at all times.
The "True" Reason for the Hats and Turtlenecks
There’s a common theory that Diane Keaton wore hats to hide plastic surgery or because she was "eccentric." While she definitely had a unique style, the signature hats were primarily functional.
They were her armor.
After multiple surgeries and the realization that her skin was incredibly susceptible to UV damage, she stopped showing skin. The turtlenecks, the long sleeves, the gloves, and those iconic hats weren't just about looking cool—they were about survival. She was protecting herself from a third diagnosis.
Her Final Months and the 2025 Health Decline
When news broke in October 2025 that Diane Keaton had passed away at age 79, the search for "did Diane Keaton have cancer" spiked again. People naturally assumed that her history with skin cancer had finally caught up with her or perhaps turned into something internal.
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However, the official cause of death was pneumonia.
Reports from close friends, including songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, mentioned that Keaton's health had "declined very suddenly" in the months leading up to her death. She had lost a significant amount of weight and became very thin. While there was plenty of internet speculation about undiagnosed internal cancers, her family clarified that a severe bacterial infection—primary bacterial pneumonia—was the culprit.
Beyond the Cancer: Other Health Struggles
It’s worth noting that cancer wasn't the only "secret" Keaton carried. She was incredibly open about her battle with bulimia during her early career.
She once told Dr. Oz that she was a "recovering addict" when it came to food, describing a time when she would consume up to 20,000 calories a day. She linked this disorder to the immense pressure she felt to lose weight for Broadway roles.
She eventually sought help through intense psychoanalysis, going five days a week for years. This transparency is a huge part of her legacy. She didn't want to be a "perfect" Hollywood star; she wanted to be a real person who happened to be famous.
Actionable Takeaways from Diane’s Journey
Keaton’s story isn't just celebrity gossip; it’s a pretty loud warning about skin health and genetics. If you're looking at her history and wondering what you should do for your own health, here are the direct takeaways:
- Check Your Family Tree: If your parents or siblings have had basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, you are at a much higher risk. Don't wait for a "weird mole" to appear before seeing a pro.
- The "40s Rule" is Too Late: Keaton regretted waiting until her 40s to care about SPF. Damage is cumulative. If you're in your 20s now, the sun you're getting today is what will cause a biopsy in 2045.
- Hats Actually Matter: Wide-brimmed hats (at least 3 inches) provide protection that sunscreen alone often misses, especially for the scalp and ears—two places where skin cancer frequently hides.
- Annual Skin Maps: Get a "skin map" or a full-body check from a dermatologist once a year. Most skin cancers, including the ones Diane had, are nearly 100% curable if you catch them before they have a chance to grow deep.
Diane Keaton used her platform to turn a "scary" diagnosis into a lesson on resilience and style. She proved that you can live a full, legendary life even with a "tricky" health history, as long as you eventually start listening to what your body is telling you.