Diane Ladd and Laura Dern’s Final Photo Together

The beloved and fiercely talented actress whose voice and presence defined an era of American cinema has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable roles — and a daughter by her side.

Three-time Academy Award nominee Diane Ladd died Monday morning at her home in Ojai, California, with her daughter, actress Laura Dern, by her side. The family shared the news through Laura's representative, who confirmed her passing.

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd attend SiriusXM Studios in New York City on April 24, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Laura wrote in a statement:

"My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Ca. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now [sic]."

Laura Dern attends the AFI FEST 2025 at TCL Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood, California on October 24, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

The deeply personal connection between Diane and Laura was often reflected in their online interactions. In one of her final social media posts on October 28, 2024, Diane shared a poignant snapshot of their life — an Instagram reel featuring a wall adorned with framed photos, a vibrant bouquet, and mementos from her decades in the spotlight, including her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

A bouquet of roses and a wall of picture frames, as seen from a post dated October 28, 2024. | Source: Instagram/rosedianeladd

A sweet caption accompanied the post, "Laura and I [sic] enjoying a sunny Sunday. Celebrating an early Halloween together." That joyful moment — now tinged with sadness — would be their last public glimpse as mother and daughter.

That bond — fierce, creative, and unshakable — was one the world had the privilege to witness. Diane and Laura weren't just mother and daughter; they were artistic soulmates, often bringing their electric chemistry to the screen in unforgettable roles that spanned decades.

Their legacy began with Martin Scorsese's 1974 drama "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," in which Diane's performance as the outspoken waitress, Flo, earned her an Oscar nomination.

It was just the beginning of a powerful cinematic duo that would continue through David Lynch's "Wild at Heart" (1990), where Ladd portrayed Laura's unhinged mother, and "Rambling Rose" (1991). This film made history as the only time a mother and daughter were nominated for Oscars for the same movie.

Diane Ladd and Laura Dern on set (Top frame). Harry Dean Stanton and Ladd (Bottom frame) on set of the Samuel Goldwyn Company movie "Wild at Heart," circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Diane's filmography is a testament to boldness, versatility, and heart. Beyond those milestone performances, she and Laura reunited in a string of memorable titles like "Citizen Ruth," "The Siege at Ruby Ridge," "Daddy and Them," "Damaged Care," and the surreal, enigmatic "Inland Empire," once again under David Lynch's direction.

On television, the pair reunited in HBO's "Enlightened" (2011–2013), where Diane's portrayal of Helen, a stoic and emotionally conflicted mother, earned praise for its restraint and quiet power.

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd arrive at the premiere of HBO's "Enlightened" at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles, California on October 6, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

Diane's characters were never just characters — they were forces of nature. From the earthy resilience of Flo in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" to the ferocious energy she poured into "Wild at Heart," her range was dazzling.

Critic, Peter Travers, widely recognized Diane's ability to bring both strength and nuance to her performances, noting how she infused each role with depth and vitality. Her work in "Rambling Rose" and "Wild at Heart" mainly showcased her fearless range and distinctive voice as an actress.

Peter Travers speaks at the New York Film Critic Series Screening Of "Gone Girl" at AMC Empire on September 29, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

But Diane wasn't just an actress — she was a storyteller. In 2013, she released a collection of short stories titled "A Bad Afternoon for a Piece of Cake," adding yet another creative milestone to her multifaceted career.

Diane Ladd signs copies of her new book "A Bad Afternoon For A Piece Of Cake" in Santa Monica, California on May 11, 2013. | Source: Getty Images

Off-screen, Diane's personal life unfolded across several chapters. She was married three times — first to actor Bruce Dern, from 1960 to 1969, with whom she shared her daughter, Laura. Her second marriage, to William A. Shea Jr., lasted from 1969 to 1977. Decades later, she found love again with Robert Charles Hunter, whom she married in 1999 and remained with until his death in July at age 77.

Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, having dinner the week they were married in New York, on January 1, 1960. | Source: Getty Images

Bruce — her first husband and Laura's father — remembered Diane not only for her brilliance onscreen, but for her tireless dedication behind the scenes. He spoke of her long-standing work on the Screen Actors Guild board and her determination to elevate the craft of acting.

Bruce Dern attends Apple TV+'s "Palm Royale" official Emmy FYC event at Hollywood Athletic Club in California on May 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

"Diane was a tremendous actress and I feel like, a bit of a 'hidden treasure' until she ran into David Lynch." Dern reflected. He also highlighted her humor, grace, and generosity, and her unwavering devotion to their daughter. "She was a wonderful mother to our incredible wunderkind daughter. And for that I will be forever grateful to her," he concluded.

Diane Ladd attends the premiere of Roadside Attractions' "The Last Full Measure" at ArcLight Hollywood in California on January 16, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd is survived by her daughter, Laura, and two grandchildren. Her passing marks the end of an era, but the work she created, the love she gave, and the unbreakable bond she shared with her daughter will echo through generations of film lovers.