Diane Ladd, Iconic Actress and Mother of Laura Dern, Passes Away at 89

Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and influential actresses. Diane Ladd, known for her unforgettable roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, has passed away at the age of 89 at her home in Ojai, California. The news was confirmed by a representative for her daughter, Laura Dern.

 A Daughter’s Tribute

In a heartfelt statement, Laura Dern shared the depth of her loss:

“My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have created. We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

The world knew Ladd for her talent; Laura knew her as home.

 A Career Full of Character and Courage

Diane Ladd’s career was remarkable not just in length, but in the richness of the characters she brought to life. She was nominated for three Academy Awards, making waves with roles that were bold, emotional, and deeply human:

• Flo in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), a resilient, fiery waitress

• Marietta Fortune in Wild at Heart (1990), a villainous, unforgettable mother figure

• Mrs. Hillyer in Rambling Rose (1991), a complex, compassionate matriarch

Her work in Rambling Rose made history — it remains the only time a mother and daughter (Ladd & Laura Dern) have both been nominated for Oscars for the same movie.

 A Life Intertwined With Film

Ladd’s former husband and Laura’s father, Bruce Dern, reflected on her legacy:

“Diane was a tremendous actress… a hidden treasure until ‘Wild at Heart’ showed the world her brilliance. She was funny, clever, gracious, and a wonderful mother to our daughter. For that, I will be forever grateful.”

Throughout her film and television career, Ladd appeared in memorable roles across genres — from Chinatown and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, to Ghosts of Mississippi, 28 Days, and The World’s Fastest Indian.

She also starred alongside her daughter once again in HBO’s Enlightened, where she delivered one of the most emotional and nuanced performances of her later career.

 A Legacy of Strength, Artistry, and Heart

Diane Ladd wasn’t simply an actress — she was a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a keeper of emotional truth in every role she touched.

She leaves behind:

• A film legacy spanning six decades

• Multiple award nominations and acclaimed performances

• A family and fanbase inspired by her grace, humanity, and humor

And, perhaps most importantly, she leaves behind the extraordinary woman she raised — Laura Dern, whose own career carries the spirit of her mother forward.

 Rest in peace, Diane Ladd.

Your stories, your fire, and your heart will continue to live on — on screen, in memory, and in the lives you touched.