Diane Ladd, the Academy Award-nominated actress who starred in ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,’ ‘Wild at Heart,’ and ‘Rambling Rose,’ has died at 89. Her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Laura Dern, an Oscar-winning actress, who described her as an extraordinary mother, artist, and empathetic spirit. Ladd, who shortened her name from Ladner when she first entered the film industry, began her Hollywood career in 1966 with ‘The Wild Angels,’ a film that also featured her husband, Bruce Dern, and longtime friend Peter Fonda.
Ladd’s career spanned five decades, beginning with her iconic performance in ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ in 1974, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She continued to act in memorable roles such as ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ and ‘Wild at Heart,’ the latter of which earned her another Oscar nomination. Her acting career also included appearances in television series such as ‘Naked City,’ ‘Perry Mason,’ and ‘Mr. Novak.’ However, her personal life was marked by tragedy as well. Ladd and her husband Bruce Dern welcomed two daughters, Diane and Laura, but unfortunately, Diane died in a tragic swimming pool accident when she was just 18 months old.
Ladd’s life was not only defined by her achievements in the entertainment industry but also by her deep emotional connections with her family. In 2018, she was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease, and began a series of walks with her daughter Laura, which led to the publication of their joint memoir, ‘Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding).’
The memoir, which detailed their candid conversations about life, death, and family, served as a testament to their bond and the honesty they shared. Ladd’s daughter Laura described her mother’s ability to express love in any form, even during moments of anger, highlighting the depth of their relationship. Ladd’s legacy is celebrated not only for her talent in film but also for the warmth and honesty she brought to her personal and professional life.
Following her death, her family and fans have mourned the loss of a beloved figure in Hollywood. Ladd’s contributions to film and television, as well as her role as a mother and artist, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who admired her enduring presence in the world of cinema and her family’s enduring love and connection to one another.