Diane Ladd, 3-Time Oscar Nominee and Veteran Actress, Dies at 89

Diane Ladd, the acclaimed actress known for her three Academy Award nominations and extensive career spanning over six decades, has died at the age of 89. Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed her passing on Monday, November 3, stating that Ladd died at her home in Ojai, California, with Dern by her side. The news was initially shared by The New York Times on social media, highlighting her significant contributions to film, including a unique Oscar nomination alongside her daughter.

Ladd garnered three Academy Award nominations throughout her prolific career. These included her roles as the brash waitress Flo in Martin Scorsese’s "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore" (1974), Marietta Fortune in David Lynch’s "Wild at Heart" (1990), and a quietly noble housewife in "Rambling Rose" (1991). The nomination for "Rambling Rose" marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a real-life mother and daughter, Ladd and Laura Dern, were nominated for Oscars for the same film.

Born Rose Diane Ladner in Mississippi in 1935, Ladd's career encompassed more than 200 film and television credits. Her versatility allowed her to portray a wide range of characters, from sympathetic to ruthless, in notable films such as "Chinatown" (1974), "Primary Colors" (1998), and "Joy" (2015). She also had a significant television presence, including a role in the "Alice" TV series, a spinoff of her Oscar-nominated film.

Her daughter, Laura Dern, shared a heartfelt statement regarding her mother's passing.

“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,” Dern stated. “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.” While an immediate cause of death was not publicly confirmed, Ladd had previously been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung condition, and had openly discussed it. Her passing also comes just three months after the death of her husband of 26 years, Robert Charles Hunter.

Ladd was known for her strong will and critical voice regarding the entertainment industry, often speaking out against its perceived greed. She co-authored a memoir with Laura Dern in 2023, "Honey, Baby, Mine," discussing life, death, and love, which emerged from conversations during her health challenges. Her legacy includes not only her memorable performances but also her enduring spirit and the unique bond she shared with her daughter both on and off-screen.