Acclaimed Actress Diane Ladd, Mother of Laura Dern, Dies at 89

Diane Ladd, the acclaimed actress who earned three Academy Award nominations for her powerful performances, has passed away at the age of 89. Ladd, a no-nonsense Southern belle known for blending strength, vulnerability, and charm, died on November 3rd, 2025 at her home in Ojai, California.

Ladd's daughter, Oscar winner Laura Dern, described her mother as "the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created." Ladd's breakout role came in 1974 when she portrayed the sassy, blunt waitress Flo in Martin Scorsese's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, a performance that earned her widespread acclaim.

Over the following decades, Ladd continued to captivate audiences with her dynamic portrayals, earning Oscar nominations for her work in Wild at Heart (1990) and Rambling Rose (1991). She was also a member of a true show business dynasty, having been married to actor Bruce Dern and being a second cousin of legendary playwright Tennessee Williams.

Ladd's legacy as a versatile and acclaimed actress will undoubtedly endure, as she leaves behind a remarkable body of work that has inspired generations of performers. Her passing marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood's most celebrated families.