Diane Ladd, a renowned actress with three Academy Award nominations, known for her diverse roles in films such as Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and Wild at Heart, passed away at the age of 89. Her daughter Laura Dern confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that Ladd died at her Ojai, Calif., residence with Dern by her side. The cause of death has not been disclosed yet.
In a heartfelt tribute, Dern described her mother as her “amazing hero” and a “profound gift of a mother,” praising her as a multi-talented individual who excelled in various roles. Expressing gratitude for having Ladd in their lives, Dern remarked that she is now at peace among the angels.
Ladd, renowned for her comedic and dramatic abilities, had a successful career in television and theater before achieving fame in the movie industry with her role in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which earned her an Oscar nomination. She appeared in numerous films thereafter, including Chinatown and Primary Colors, and received acclaim for her performances in Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, where she starred alongside her daughter Laura Dern.
Her connections to the arts ran deep through family ties and marriages. Ladd was related to playwright Tennessee Williams and was married to Bruce Dern, a fellow Oscar nominee. The mother-daughter duo achieved a milestone by both being nominated for Oscars for their work in Rambling Rose.
Hailing from Laurel, Mississippi, Ladd’s destiny seemed intertwined with stardom from an early age. In her memoir “Spiraling Through the School of Life,” she recounted her great-grandmother’s prophecy that she would captivate audiences on screen one day. By the 1970s, Ladd had embraced her talents wholeheartedly, proudly declaring her ability to master various acting challenges and roles.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a versatile and talented actress whose legacy will endure through her impactful contributions to film and television.