Diane Ladd, a revered three-time Oscar-nominated actress, has died at the age of 89. Her death was announced on Monday by her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirming she passed away at her home in Ojai, California.
Ladd died peacefully with her daughter by her side, though no specific cause of death was provided in the initial announcement. Laura Dern described her mother as an “amazing hero” and a “profound gift,” emphasizing the deep bond they shared both personally and professionally. The news was shared through a statement that highlighted Ladd’s roles as a mother, grandmother, and artist, with Dern noting she was “flying with her angels now.”
Born Rose Diane Ladner in Laurel, Mississippi, Ladd began her career in television during the 1950s, appearing in shows like “Perry Mason” and “Gunsmoke.” Her big break came in 1974 with Martin Scorsese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” where her portrayal of the sharp-tongued waitress Flo earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This role showcased her ability to blend comedy and drama, setting the stage for a prolific career that spanned over five decades.
She continued to build an impressive filmography, receiving two more Oscar nominations for her roles in David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart” (1990) and “Rambling Rose” (1991), both of which she starred in alongside her daughter, Laura Dern. This made them one of the rare mother-daughter pairs to be nominated for Oscars for the same film, a testament to their shared talent and on-screen chemistry. In “Wild at Heart,” Ladd’s character, Marietta, was a protective mother willing to go to extreme lengths, a role she personally cherished and for which she contributed creative input.
Beyond her nominated performances, Ladd appeared in iconic films such as “Chinatown” and “Primary Colors,” and maintained a presence on television with roles in series like “ER” and “Touched by an Angel.” Her versatility allowed her to tackle a wide range of characters, from dramatic to comedic roles, and she often brought a unique intensity to her performances. She also starred in the TV spinoff “Alice,” further cementing her place in entertainment history and demonstrating her adaptability across mediums.
Ladd’s personal life was deeply intertwined with the arts; she was a second cousin to playwright Tennessee Williams and was married to actor Bruce Dern, with whom she had Laura. She was married three times, most recently to author and former PepsiCo executive Robert Charles Hunter, who passed away earlier in 2025. In her memoirs and interviews, she reflected on her relationships and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, often speaking candidly about her experiences.
Throughout her career, Ladd was known for her strong will and creative input, as evidenced by her collaboration with David Lynch on “Wild at Heart,” where she suggested changes to her character that were embraced by the director. She authored a memoir, “Spiraling Through the School of Life,” in 2006, sharing insights into her journey and the lessons she learned. Her resilience and dedication to her craft inspired many in the industry, and she was celebrated for her empathetic spirit and artistic integrity.
Diane Ladd’s death marks the loss of a talented and resilient figure in Hollywood, whose contributions spanned decades and genres. Her legacy endures through her extensive body of work, the influence she had on her daughter and fellow actors, and the memories she created for audiences worldwide. As the industry mourns, her performances will continue to be celebrated for their depth and authenticity, ensuring her impact on film and television remains indelible.