Diane Ladd, Laura Dern’s Mother and Oscar Nominee, Dies at 89

Diane Ladd, known for her Oscar-nominated performances in movies like “Alice Doesn’t Live Here” and mother of actor Laura Dern, has died at the age of 89.

Dern confirmed her mother’s passing in a statement obtained by NBC News on Monday, Nov. 3.

“My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, (California),” Dern said.

She called her mother, “The greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created.”

Dern added, “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

Ladd appeared in hundreds of roles but was best known for her work as Flo in the 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and Marietta Fortune in the 1990 movie “Wild at Heart.” Both parts landed her Academy Award nominations for best actress in a supporting role.

The late star received another Oscar nod for her portrayal in “Rambling Rose,” the 1991 coming-of-age period drama that also starred daughter Dern in the leading role. Both mother and daughter received nominations at the 1992 Academy Awards, with Ladd competing in the supporting category and Dern being recognized in the leading role category.

Ladd was also praised for her television roles. She received Emmy nominations for her guest appearances on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Grace Under Fire” and “Touched by an Angel.”

Her career in Hollywood spanned eight decades. One of her many recurring roles was on the sitcom “Alice,” in which she appeared in 23 episodes according to IMDb. She also booked parts in popular movies and shows like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “The Love Boat,” “ER” and “Cold Case.”

More recently, she co-starred with Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper in the 2015 drama “Joy” and appeared in 46 episodes of the Hallmark Channel series “Chesapeake Shores” from 2016 to 2022. Her final role was in the 2022 drama “Isle of Hope,” according to IMDb.

Ladd was married to Bruce Dern from 1960 to 1969. She then married William A. Shea, Jr. and the two later divorced in 1976. Her third husband was former CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems Robert Charles Hunter, who died at the age of 77 in August, The Hollywood Reporter reported.