Hollywood is mourning the loss of Diane Ladd, the three-time Oscar-nominated actress who died Monday morning at her home in Ojai, California. She was 89. A representative for her daughter, Laura Dern, confirmed the news to Variety.
Ladd, known for her acclaimed performances in âAlice Doesnât Live Here Anymore,â âWild at Heart,â and âRambling Rose,â passed away surrounded by family. Her extraordinary career spanned more than six decades, filled with memorable roles that showcased her depth, humor, and humanity.
Octavia Spencer’s Heartfelt Tribute
Octavia Spencer shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing, âI am so saddened to hear of Diane Laddâs passing. Diane was remarkable: talented, wise, and full of grace. Her strength and light will continue to shine through the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. My heart goes out to my dear friend Laura Dern and her family. Sending love and peace to all who loved her ð¤ðï¸.â
Singer Nancy Sinatra, a longtime friend, also shared her grief, writing, âShe was one of my oldest and dearest friends.â She also posted a message on Instagram:
She started her tribute by writing: “Diane Ladd was one of my closest, oldest, and dearest friends. We shared having our children, making our movie, and did a lot of growing up together. It was a wild, sentimental ride. She was a great lady, a fun pal, and a fine writer. I will miss her painfully, and yes, joyfully.”
Laura Dern Remembers Her Mother: ‘She Was My Amazing Hero‘
Laddâs daughter, Laura Dern, also released an emotional statement, remembering her mother as her greatest inspiration. âMy amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Ca,â Dern said.
âShe 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
Bruce Dern Reflects on Her Legacy & Career
Actor Bruce Dern, Laddâs ex-husband and Lauraâs father, reflected on her powerful presence on and off-screen. âDiane was a tremendous actress and I feel like a bit of a âhidden treasureâ until she ran into David Lynch,â he said, in a statement published by US Weekly.
âWhen he cast her as Lauraâs mom in âWild at Heart,â it felt like the world then really understood her brilliance.â
He continued, âShe was a great value as a decades-long board member of SAG, giving a real actressâ point of view. She lived a good life. She saw everything the way it was. She was a great teammate to her fellow actors. She was funny, clever, gracious. But most importantly to me, she was a wonderful mother to our incredible wunderkind daughter. And for that I will be forever grateful to her.â
Diane Laddâs Iconic Roles & Career Highlights
Ladd earned Oscar nominations for her work in âAlice Doesnât Live Here Anymore,â âWild at Heart,â and âRambling Rose.â Her performances were rich with emotion and nuance, often portraying strong, complex women who left a lasting mark on audiences.
In âRambling Rose,â both Ladd and Laura Dern made history as the only mother-daughter duo ever nominated for Oscars for the same film.
Her collaborations with her daughter continued into modern television, most notably in HBOâs âEnlightened,â where she played Dernâs mother.
Ladd also appeared in âJoyâ alongside Jennifer Lawrence, where she portrayed a nurturing grandmother whose warmth anchored the story.
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