Hollywood is mourning the loss of Diane Ladd, who died at 89 just three months after her husband, former PepsiCo executive Robert Charles Hunter.
Robert Charles Hunterâs Life and Love Story With Diane Ladd
Robert Charles Hunter, former CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems, died on July 31 at 77 while visiting family in Fort Worth, Texas, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He spent 23 years at PepsiCo, leading brands like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC for more than a decade as CEO.
Born in Germany on April 2, 1948, Hunter went on to write two novels â âCurious Journey: Originsâ and âCurious Journey: Energy.â His family described him as deeply curious and passionate about the world, saying, âRobert always loved Texas. The wide skies, the bold spirit and the warmth of Fort Worth were part of his soul. Returning home brought him peace and joy â a feeling he often described as âlike coming back to the rhythm of my heart.ââ
Hunter and Ladd met in Sedona, Arizona, where he was on a personal retreat after retiring at age 50. They married in 1999 and later co-founded Excel Entertainment. Hunter even made a brief appearance as a detective in David Lynchâs 2006 film âInland Empire,â which starred both Ladd and Dern.
Ladd quietly acknowledged his death by sharing The Hollywood Reporterâs article about it on Instagram. Hunter was survived by Ladd, his stepdaughter Laura, his three children â Brandon, Amy, and Emily â and ten grandchildren.
Laura Dern Pays Tribute to Her Mother Diane Ladd
On November 3, Laura Dern announced her motherâs passing in a statement to ABC News, writing, âShe passed away with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Calif. 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.â
Laddâs career spanned more than six decades. She earned three Oscar nominations and three Emmy nods. Along with memorable performances in âAlice Doesnât Live Here Anymore,â âWild at Heart,â âRambling Rose,â and âInland Empire.â She was also beloved for her role in the TV sitcom âAlice,â inspired by her 1974 film.
Ladd and Dern shared a unique bond both as mother and daughter and as acting partners. They appeared together in several films and the HBO series âEnlightened.â When Dern won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2020 for âMarriage Story,â she tearfully said, âSome say ânever meet your heroes,â but I say if youâre really blessed, you get them as your parents. I share this with my acting heroes, my legends, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern.â
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