Hollywood Mourns Diane Ladd, Oscar Nominee, Passes Away at 89

Ojai, California, USA: Renowned Hollywood star Diane Ladd, best known for her acclaimed performances in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, has passed away at the age of 89.

A celebrated figure in American cinema, Ladd earned three Academy Award nominations and won a Golden Globe during her extensive career. Her estimated net worth was around $10 million, reflecting decades of success in film, television, and writing.

Ladd’s daughter, Laura Dern, confirmed her mother’s passing, sharing that she died peacefully at her home in Ojai, California, surrounded by family. In an emotional tribute, Dern wrote,

“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, artist, and spirit we could ever imagine. We were blessed to have her. She is soaring with the angels now.”

Early Life and Background

Born Rose Diane Ladner on November 29, 1935, in Laurel, Mississippi, Ladd was the only child of Preston Paul Ladner, a veterinarian, and Mary Bernadette Ladner, an actress. She displayed a love for performing from a young age, engaging in acting, singing, and dancing before breaking into television and film during the 1960s.

Career and Achievements

Ladd’s breakthrough came in 1974 with Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, directed by Martin Scorsese, where she portrayed the spirited waitress “Flo.” The role earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She later received two additional Academy Award nods for her roles in Wild at Heart (1990) and Rambling Rose (1991). The latter film was particularly significant, as it featured both Ladd and her daughter Laura Dern, marking the first time a mother-daughter duo was nominated for Oscars in the same year.

Her career spanned a wide range of roles, including appearances in Chinatown (1974), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), and Primary Colors (1998). On television, she appeared in Enlightened and Touched by an Angel.

Beyond acting, Ladd was also an author and director. Her memoir, Spiraling Through the School of Life, was published in 2006, offering insights into her personal and professional journey.

Personal Life and Family

Diane Ladd married actor Bruce Dern in 1960, and the couple had two daughters, Diane Elizabeth and Laura Dern. Tragically, Diane Elizabeth passed away at 18 months old in a drowning accident — a devastating event that profoundly affected Ladd’s life.

After her divorce from Dern, Ladd married William A. Shea Jr. in 1969; their marriage ended in 1976. In 1999, she wed Robert Charles Hunter, a businessman and film producer, who passed away earlier in 2025.

Legacy and Wealth

According to Cine Net Worth, Diane Ladd’s fortune in 2025 was estimated at $10 million. In addition to her acting income, her wealth stemmed from her work as a writer and director. She also owned a beautiful home nestled in the California hills and collected vintage automobiles.

Ladd leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Hollywood — not only through her own achievements but also through her daughter, Laura Dern, who described her as “my hero and the greatest gift of my life.”

November 3, 2025