Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd dies at 89


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Summary

Life and career

Diane Ladd was an influential figure in Hollywood, having worked in film and television for over six decades. She earned recognition for her roles in films such as "Chinatown," "Wild at Heart," "Rambling Rose" and "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore," receiving three Academy Award nominations for the latter three.

Family legacy

The article states that Diane Ladd and her daughter Laura Dern made history as the first mother-daughter duo to be nominated for an Academy Award in the same year. Laura Dern confirmed her mother's passing and described her as "my guiding light and my heart."

Recognition and remembrance

According to the article, Diane Ladd will be remembered for the depth, humor and heart she brought to her performances. The article refers to her as a performer of "strength, soul and grace."


Full story

A Hollywood icon and one of its true originals has passed away. Three-time Academy Award nominee Diane Ladd has died at her California home. 

She was 89.

Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed her passing, calling her “my guiding light and my heart.”

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Over more than six decades in film and television, Ladd was recognized for bringing depth, humor and heart to every role — from “Chinatown” and “Wild at Heart” to “Rambling Rose” and “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” — the latter three earning her Oscar nominations.

She also made Hollywood history as part of the first mother-daughter duo to be nominated for an Academy Award in the same year.

Diane Ladd will be remembered as a performer of strength, soul and grace.

  • (Original Caption) Kris Kristofferson and Diane Ladd in a scene from the movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," November, 1974.
  • Actress Diane Ladd poses for a portrait in circa 1975. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
  • (L-R) American actresses Diane Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern attend the First Annual Actors Studio Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Hotel in New York, New York, November 5, 1980. (Photo by Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images)
  • LOS ANGELES - JUNE 20: The movie "Chinatown", directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. Seen here from left, Joe Mantell as Lawrence Walsh and Diane Ladd as Ida Sessions (posing as Mrs. Mulwray). Initial theatrical release June 20, 1974. Screen capture. Paramount Pictures. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Jason K. Morrell (Morning Managing Editor) and Julia Marshall (Morning Digital Producer) contributed to this report.
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Why this story matters

Diane Ladd's death at age 89 marks the loss of a highly respected actress whose career spanned over six decades and whose influence extended across film, television and family collaborations, leaving a notable legacy in American entertainment.

Legacy in film and television

Ladd's prolific acting career and numerous award nominations highlight her enduring influence and contributions to the entertainment industry, demonstrating the impact one artist can have across generations and mediums.

Family and collaboration

The unique artistic partnership between Diane Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern, including their historic dual Oscar nominations and repeated joint projects, underscores the importance of familial collaboration in the arts.

Representation and resilience

Ladd consistently portrayed strong, complex women, and her personal resilience through professional challenges and personal tragedy exemplifies the broader themes of perseverance and representation in Hollywood.

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Community reaction

Many articles note an outpouring of tributes from the film industry and fans, with particular attention to family members and colleagues sharing memories and expressing gratitude for Ladd’s influence and character.

Global impact

Her work helped shape international perceptions of American cinema and contributed to cross-generational discussions about women in Hollywood and family legacies in the film industry.

History lesson

Ladd’s achievements, including the mother-daughter Oscar nominations, stand out as unique in Hollywood history, and her long career echoes earlier traditions of family dynasties in the arts.

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Unbiased. Straight Facts.

Don’t just take our word for it.


Certified balanced reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Certified Balanced May 2025

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more

Bias comparison

  • Media outlets on the left emphasize Diane Ladd as a "3-time Oscar nominee" and "Hollywood icon," using gender-neutral "actor" and highlighting Laura Dern's quote "flying with her angels now," conveying a progressive and celebratory tone.
  • Media outlets in the center maintain a direct, less emotional tone, also noting her "3-time Oscar nominee" status but de-emphasizing specific emotional quotes or extensive career details like "over 200 movies and TV shows" mentioned by the left.
  • Media outlets on the right acknowledge her Oscar nominations, but de-emphasize the specific number and use traditional "actress," focusing on Dern's "my amazing hero" quote and calling her statement a "touching tribute," reflecting a more traditional, reverent emotional framing.

Media landscape

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300 total sources

Key points from the Left

  • Diane Ladd, the Oscar-nominated actor known for films like 'Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore', passed away at 89 years old, confirmed by her daughter, Laura Dern, on November 3.
  • Laura Dern stated that she was by Ladd's side when she passed at her home in Ojai, California.
  • The cause of Diane Ladd's death has not been revealed, according to Laura Dern's statement.
  • Ladd was known for her roles in 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore', 'Wild at Heart', and 'Rambling Rose', for which she received Oscar nominations.

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Key points from the Center

  • On November 3, 2025, Laura Dern announced that actress Diane Ladd died Monday morning at her Ojai, California residence at age 89.
  • No cause of death had been revealed, and Laura Dern said Diane Ladd passed with her beside her at home in Ojai, California.
  • A three-time Oscar-nominated actress, Ladd earned nods for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, where she and Laura Dern were uniquely nominated together.
  • Survivors include daughter Laura Dern and two grandchildren; Dern said Ladd was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit.
  • Born Rose Diane Ladnier in Meridian, Miss., Ladd moved to New York City as a teen and married Bruce Dern, actor from 1960 to 1969, welcoming daughter Laura Dern on Feb. 10, 1967.

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Key points from the Right

  • Diane Ladd, an Oscar-nominated actress, passed away on Monday at the age of 89, confirmed by her daughter Laura Dern.
  • Ladd received three Academy Award nominations for her roles in 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore,' 'Wild at Heart,' and 'Rambling Rose.'
  • Laura Dern stated, 'My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother passed with me beside her this morning at her home in Ojai, California.'
  • Diane Ladd had a prolific career, appearing in over 200 films and TV shows, leaving a lasting legacy as a celebrated actress.

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