Diane Ladd, Celebrated Actress of Stage and Screen, Dies at 89

Diane Ladd, a distinguished actress whose career spanned over seven decades and included more than 200 film and television appearances, passed away on November 3, 2025, at her home in Ojai, California. She was 89. Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, was by her side and announced the news, describing Ladd as her "amazing hero" and "profound gift of a mother."

Born Rose Diane Ladner on November 29, 1935, in Laurel, Mississippi, Ladd was a distant cousin of playwright Tennessee Williams. She began her acting career in New York in the 1950s after training at the Actor's Studio. Her early work included stage performances and television roles, such as appearances on "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," and "The Big Valley."

Ladd's breakthrough came with her portrayal of Flo in Martin Scorsese's 1974 film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She received two more Oscar nominations for her roles in David Lynch's "Wild at Heart" (1990) and "Rambling Rose" (1991). In "Rambling Rose," she starred alongside her daughter, Laura Dern, marking the first time a mother-daughter duo was nominated for Academy Awards for the same film.

Beyond her Oscar-nominated roles, Ladd's extensive filmography includes performances in "Chinatown" (1974), "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989), and "Primary Colors" (1998). She also had a significant presence on television, winning a Golden Globe for her role in the series "Alice" (1980–1981).

Ladd was married to actor Bruce Dern from 1960 to 1969, with whom she had two daughters: Diane Elizabeth, who tragically passed away at 18 months, and Laura Elizabeth. In 1999, she married Robert Charles Hunter, former CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems; he preceded her in death by three months in August 2025.

In recent years, Ladd faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. With the support of her daughter, she co-authored a memoir titled "Honey, Baby, Mine," chronicling her recovery journey and the deep bond between mother and daughter.

Diane Ladd's contributions to the arts were recognized with a BAFTA Award for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and a Golden Globe for her role in the television series "Alice." Her legacy is marked by her versatility as an actress and her profound impact on the film and television industry.

Her passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood, as she was one of the few remaining actresses whose career began in the Golden Age of Television. Her work paved the way for future generations of actresses, and her collaborations with her daughter Laura Dern highlighted the evolving roles of women in the industry.

Diane Ladd's passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but her extensive body of work and the barriers she broke continue to inspire and influence actors and audiences alike.