Los Angeles, CA — Acclaimed actress Diane Ladd, a three-time Academy Award nominee and beloved Hollywood mainstay for more than six decades, has passed away at the age of 89. Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed the news, calling her mother “my amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother.”
Born Rose Diane Ladner in Meridian, Mississippi, in 1935, Ladd’s career spanned film, television, and stage with an artistry defined by depth, grit, and Southern grace. She first captivated audiences with her performance as Flo in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), directed by Martin Scorsese — a role that earned her the first of her three Oscar nominations.
She went on to deliver memorable turns in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart (1990) and Rambling Rose (1991), the latter co-starring her daughter. That film made history, marking the first time a mother-daughter duo was nominated for Academy Awards for the same project — a record that still stands today.
Throughout her prolific career, Ladd appeared in more than 100 productions, seamlessly moving between drama and comedy, film and television. Her credits include standout performances in Chinatown, Something Wicked This Way Comes, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and TV classics like Alice and Enlightened, which once again paired her with Dern.
Beyond the screen, Ladd was admired for her resilience and spirit. After a near-fatal illness years ago, doctors told her she might not survive — but she defied the odds, returning to health and even co-writing a memoir with her daughter, Honey, Baby, Mine, chronicling their bond and shared journey through life and art.
Tributes have poured in across Hollywood. Actor Bruce Dern, Ladd’s ex-husband, released a heartfelt statement saying, “Diane was a force of nature — fiercely talented, passionate, and generous. I will be forever grateful to her.”
Diane Ladd’s artistry leaves behind not only unforgettable performances, but a living legacy in her daughter and collaborator, Laura Dern. Her voice, passion, and presence will continue to inspire generations of actors to come.
“My mother taught me that love is the greatest legacy,” Dern wrote. “And she lived that truth every single day.”
🎬 A star whose light will never fade — Diane Ladd, 1935 – 2025.
