What Said Laura Dern About Her Mother Diane Ladd’s Death? Oscar-Nominated Actress Remembered at 89

Hollywood is paying tribute to Diane Ladd, the Oscar-nominated actress who left an indelible mark on film and television. The celebrated performer, best known for her roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, passed away on Monday at her home in Ojai, California, at the age of 89.

Her daughter, Academy Award winner Laura Dern, confirmed her mother’s passing in a heartfelt statement, describing Ladd as “my amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother.”

Laura Dern’s Emotional Tribute to Diane Ladd

Laura Dern’s statement was both intimate and profound. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said her mother passed peacefully with her by her side. “She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,” Dern wrote. “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

Dern’s words reflected not just grief but deep admiration for her mother’s life and artistry. Their bond extended beyond family; the two shared the screen in multiple films and series, including Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose, and HBO’s Enlightened. Each project showcased their rare emotional chemistry and mutual respect as artists.

Diane Ladd’s Distinguished Career and Achievements

Diane Ladd’s career spanned more than six decades, defined by her fearless approach to acting. She earned her first Academy Award nomination in 1974 for playing Flo, the outspoken waitress in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. The role became one of her most beloved performances, blending humor and heart in equal measure.

Her next two Oscar nominations came years later — one for her fiery portrayal in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart (1990) and another for her tender performance in Rambling Rose (1991), opposite her daughter Laura Dern. Her filmography included standout roles in Chinatown, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Primary Colors, and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Ladd’s Southern charm and commanding presence earned her respect across Hollywood. She was honored this year by the Screen Actors Guild with the Ralph Morgan Award for her long-standing service to the craft and her fellow actors.

Family, Personal Life, and Legacy

Born Rose Diane Lanier on November 29, 1935, in Meridian, Mississippi, Ladd came from humble beginnings before becoming one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures. She was married to actor Bruce Dern from 1960 to 1969, and together they shared two daughters — Laura and Diane Elizabeth, who tragically passed away at 18 months old.

Ladd and Bruce Dern remained close throughout their lives. In a touching statement, Bruce Dern said, “When David Lynch cast her as Laura’s mom in Wild at Heart, it felt like the world then really understood her brilliance. She lived a good life, and she was a wonderful mother to our incredible daughter. For that, I will be forever grateful.”

In her later years, Ladd appeared on Hallmark’s Chesapeake Shores, continuing to inspire audiences with her warmth and wit. Her legacy endures through her daughter Laura Dern and grandchildren Ellery and Jaya, who carry forward her love for storytelling and art.

Diane Ladd’s passing marks the end of an era, but her presence will forever remain in Hollywood’s golden history. Laura Dern’s tribute captures the sentiment of millions who admired a woman who lived with courage, creativity, and grace.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Laura Dern say about her mother Diane Ladd’s death?

Laura Dern said her mother was “the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit” and that “she is flying with her angels now.”

Q2: How old was Diane Ladd when she died?

She was 89 years old at the time of her passing at her home in Ojai, California.

Q3: What movies earned Diane Ladd Oscar nominations?

She received Academy Award nominations for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Wild at Heart (1990), and Rambling Rose (1991).

Q4: How did Bruce Dern react to Diane Ladd’s death?

Bruce Dern called her a tremendous actress and expressed gratitude for the love and legacy she left behind through their daughter, Laura Dern.

Q5: What is Diane Ladd’s lasting impact on Hollywood?

Ladd’s combination of humor, strength, and authenticity redefined female roles in film and inspired generations of performers worldwide.