Diane Ladd’s Daughter, Laura Dern, Previously Revealed Her Mother’s Biggest Fears – Details

In the tender twilight of her life, the legendary actress revealed to her daughter the deepest secrets she had carried silently for decades, including the things that truly frightened her.

Diane Ladd, the celebrated actress revered for her unforgettable roles and her deep, lifelong bond with her daughter Laura Dern, died on November 3, 2025, at her home in Ojai, California. She was 89.

In those final years, mother and daughter peeled back layers of memory and pain through deep conversations. It was during that sacred time that Diane finally confessed to the things that truly haunted her.

A representative for Laura confirmed the heartbreaking news of her mother’s passing to Variety on Monday. In a deeply moving statement, the “Big Little Lies” actress said, “My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning.”

Being Told She Had Only Months to Live

Though Diane had lived a long, remarkable life, leaving her mark on some of the greatest films in cinema history, such as “Wild at Heart” and “Chinatown,” she had been locked in a fight for her life since 2018.

Doctors had delivered a grim prognosis: she had just three to six months to live.

But Diane defied expectations. In 2023, she and Laura opened up in the co-written book “Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding),” a raw, heartfelt memoir that captured their unfiltered conversations about love, loss, and survival in the face of death.

During an emotional appearance on “Today” that same year, Laura told Hoda Kotb that her mother’s illness had been caused by accidental pesticide exposure in her own neighborhood.

The toxic incident left Diane’s lungs scarred. Doctors said her only chance of survival was to walk, to slowly expand her lung capacity in hopes of giving her more time.

Persevering Thanks to an Idea

At first, walking was brutal as Diane was on oxygen and in pain. But Laura stepped in, suggesting a way to ease the suffering. She asked her mother to share stories as they walked; stories she could record on her phone and keep for the future.

What began as a simple distraction transformed into a revelation. As they walked, a flood of unspoken memories came pouring out.

They spoke about everything, including one of the most devastating tragedies of Diane’s life: the loss of her other daughter, Laura’s sister, who had died in a drowning accident at just 18 months old.

That conversation changed their relationship for the better.

Speaking Helped Her Heal

For Diane, releasing that agony was like exhaling. Letting it out helped her begin to heal, not just emotionally, but physically. Still, their walks weren’t always somber. There were tears, yes, but also laughter, joy, and a kind of peace that can only come from being truly seen.

As a daughter, Laura was stunned to realize how much she didn’t know about Diane, not just about the sorrow, but the small things. The lighthearted details, like why her mother had wanted to become an actress. What had driven her? What had filled her soul?

And in those conversations, Laura uncovered something else. Something startling: Diane wasn’t afraid to die.

Being Afraid of Something Else

The stunning admission came during their first walk together, along with the reveal of her actual biggest fears.

“She said, ‘I’m not afraid of it.’ She was afraid of leaving me,” Laura revealed. “She was afraid of not being here to watch her grandchildren grow, and still has that fear, but really, I think she’s embraced so much by talking about all of it.”

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The “Marriage Story” actress added, “She said, ‘Now, if they hadn’t told me I might be dying, I may not have said it all.'”

Once they began opening up to others about these sacred conversations, something unexpected happened. Their friends and loved ones started having similar talks of their own. That ripple effect is what inspired them to publish their book as a guide for others to find connection before it’s too late.

During her conversation with Kotb, Laura also reflected on her mother’s connection to women. As an only child, Diane had always found deep, meaningful friendships, something Laura herself inherited. It was one more bond between them that deepened over time.

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Being Raised on Set and Drawn to the Spotlight

Another link between mother and daughter was their shared passion for acting. Laura knew from an early age that she was destined to perform.

She had grown up living between film sets, absorbing the industry from the inside out. Both her mother and father, Bruce Dern, were actors, and the influence was inescapable.

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During the summer of 1973, Laura spent her time moving between the sets of “Family Plot” and “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” It was then, as a young girl surrounded by the whirlwind of creativity and performance, that she knew this was her calling.

Ellen Burstyn and Diane Ladd in a scene from the movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" circa 1974 | Source: Getty Images

Ellen Burstyn and Diane Ladd in a scene from the movie “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” circa 1974 | Source: Getty Images

Still, there were moments of anxiety. Like in 1974, when Diane was nominated for an Academy Award. Laura walked the red carpet for the first time, and it terrified her.

“There are pictures of my mom looking very glamorous and smiling for the cameras on the red carpet, and you can see my clenched fists digging into her arm. I had big Coke-bottle eyeglasses and just looked really nervous,” she told Variety.

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Fighting to Be an Actress Despite Warnings

In a 2018 interview on “Today” with Willie Geist, Laura was asked whether her parents had ever discouraged her from acting. The answer was yes. Diane warned her daughter in no uncertain terms:

“Be a lawyer, be a doctor, be a leper missionary, but don’t be an actress.”

But Laura was relentless. Even at 11 years old, she was quietly going behind her mother’s back. At one of Diane’s birthday parties, Laura approached an agent and asked to read for him and later possibly audition. Nothing could stop her.

In 2019, Diane admitted to The Guardian, “I did not want my daughter to be an actress, but she outsmarted me.”

Diane Ladd and Laura Dern, circa 1980's | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd and Laura Dern, circa 1980’s | Source: Getty Images

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At 17, Laura went even further. After completing high school early, she filed for legal emancipation from her parents so she could work freely. Diane agreed under one condition: Laura had to live with Marianne Williamson, the self-help author and future presidential candidate.

Finding the Role That Changed Everything

After moving out, Laura enrolled at UCLA, planning to double-major in journalism and psychology. But just a few days into her college journey, destiny intervened. She landed a leading role in David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” and dropped out immediately.

Laura Dern on the set of "Blue Velvet," circa 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Laura Dern on the set of “Blue Velvet,” circa 1986 | Source: Getty Images

The director would later cast her again, this time alongside her mother, in the unforgettable film “Wild at Heart.” It was a turning point in her career. Laura realized that in Lynch’s world, women could be equals, not just accessories to male leads.

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But it was Diane who taught her the most important lesson regarding this career.

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“My mom taught me to lead with empathy and purpose,” she shared with Variety two weeks before Diane’s passing. “That’s what keeps me in love with storytelling.” Additionally, even as they reached their late 80s, neither Diane Ladd nor Bruce had any interest in slowing down.

“Retirement has never been a word I understood or knew in my family,” Laura explained. “They’re such amazing storytellers and radical characters. They inspire me every day to just keep going.”

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The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

Diane Ladd’s Final Instagram Post Hinted at a New Chapter Weeks Before Her Passing at 89

Junie Sihlangu

Nov 04, 2025

05:37 A.M.

Diane Ladd’s final days held a surprising twist that few saw coming. Just weeks before her passing, the legendary actress left fans curious with an unexpected message shared on Instagram.

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Hollywood lost a legend—but not before one last cryptic twist. The Oscar-nominated icon Diane Ladd had fans thrilled and excited with her mysterious announcement, which hinted she wasn’t done creating.

A netizen's comment on Diane Ladd's post dated September 17, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rosedianeladd

A netizen’s comment on Diane Ladd’s post dated September 17, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rosedianeladd

Cryptic Farewell: An Instagram Post That Sparked Questions

On November 3, 2025, just weeks shy of her 90th birthday, Diane passed away peacefully in her Ojai, California, home. But nearly six weeks earlier, she dropped a digital breadcrumb that fans are still poring over.

On September 17, Diane, who was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2018, posted the Blu-ray cover of “The Last Full Measure,” a film packed with legendary talent. In her caption, she revealed that the film had been due for release in 2020—but then COVID-19 hit the very day before its debut.

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Christopher Plummer and Diane Ladd starring in "The Last Full Measure" in a post dated September 17, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rosedianeladd

Christopher Plummer and Diane Ladd starring in “The Last Full Measure” in a post dated September 17, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rosedianeladd

The war drama features cinematic heavyweights, including Samuel L. Jackson, and three late icons: Christopher Plummer, Peter Fonda, and William Hurt. Diane didn’t hold back her reverence, calling it an “honor” to act alongside the trio.

Describing the movie as “something really terrific,” Diane told her followers where they could stream it: Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. But then came the twist—she casually tossed out a bombshell. “And, hey kids, what do you think of me getting into PodCasting? Thought I’d give you a taste. More to come. Stay tuned!) Love and light – Diane 💓🎙️💫,” she wrote.

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Fans Left Wanting More After Poignant Social Send-off

Fans were quick to rally behind her. One gushed“Miss Diane, I cannot wait to hear what your podcast will contain.” Another added“❤️ You would have the best podcast! ❤️” A third admirer reflected on her legacy, “I’d love to hear your podcast Mrs. Ladd. You’re also one of the greats. Will never forget you in Wild at Heart. ICONIC. love. [sic]”

The last glimpse of Diane on Instagram was a year ago, on November 6, 2024. In that serene image, she wore her signature pearls and a warm smile, her gray hair cascading over a crisp white shirt and sunshine-yellow top. Stirring a teaspoon in her cup, she looked timeless.

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The caption, paired with Art Music’s “Golden Season,” spoke about unity, humanity, and the importance of working together in the aftermath of the US elections. Following her death, fans returned to that post to leave tributes.

“❤️ rest in peace beautiful, unique Diane [sic],” one wrote. Another called her “Full of light,” adding, “she leaves us with that light forever!!” One especially heartfelt tribute replied to the post’s caption, reading“A beautiful message, to which we should all take heed. Rest in peace, lovely lady, and thank you for so many memories.”

Diane Ladd at SiriusXM Studios on April 24, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd at SiriusXM Studios on April 24, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Daughter Laura Dern Calls Her a ‘Profound Gift’ and ‘Empathetic Spirit’

According to a statement from her daughter’s representative, Diane died in the morning with Laura Dern by her side. In her emotional message, Laura wrote, “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.”

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The grieving daughter didn’t hold back her admiration, “She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist [sic] and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd being interviewed at SiriusXM Studios | Source: Getty Images

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd being interviewed at SiriusXM Studios | Source: Getty Images

Ex-Husband Bruce Dern Reflects on Her Brilliance and Their Bond

Bruce Dern—Diane’s ex-husband and Laura’s father—also shared words of admiration. “Diane was a tremendous actress and I feel like, [sic] a bit of a ‘hidden treasure’ until she ran into David Lynch,” he stated. “When he cast her as Laura’s mom in ‘Wild at Heart’ [sic] it felt like the world then really understood her brilliance.”

Bruce praised her decades-long contributions to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), saying she brought a true actor’s perspective. He emphasized that she had a clear-eyed view of the world and lived a full life.

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Bruce Dern posing at the Star ceremony honoring him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Bruce Dern posing at the Star ceremony honoring him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

“She was a great teammate to her fellow actors. She was funny, clever, [sic] gracious,” he added“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.”

Though the world has lost a luminous force in Hollywood, Diane’s final words and graceful goodbye still echo. Her final message? Keep watching, keep listening—there’s always “more to come.”

Diane Ladd, Bruce Dern, and Laura Dern pose together after receiving their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd, Bruce Dern, and Laura Dern pose together after receiving their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd | Source: Getty Images

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As previously reported, following the death of the renowned film actress, her daughter — also in the industry — joined the family in honoring her impact on screen and in their lives.

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A towering figure in film, Diane earned three Academy Award nominations for her roles in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), “Wild at Heart” (1990), and “Rambling Rose” (1991). Her performances were known for their intensity and emotional depth, making her a standout in every role.

Diane Ladd attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation "Isle of Hope" screening and Q&A in Los Angeles on December 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation “Isle of Hope” screening and Q&A in Los Angeles on December 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

She frequently worked with her daughter, and their on-screen collaborations became some of the most emotionally resonant in Hollywood — a rare and celebrated bond that blurred the line between life and art.

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A Family That Never Slowed Down

In the final weeks before her mother’s death, Laura opened up about both of her parents, offering a rare, heartfelt glimpse into the enduring influence they held in her life. Speaking to Variety, she described Diane and Bruce as active, inspiring, and endlessly driven, still immersed in their craft and storytelling well into their 80s.

“They’re doing great,” she said at the time. “They inspire me every day to just keep going.” Diane and Bruce were, in her words, “radical characters” and “amazing storytellers,” people who lived with purpose and never stopped creating.

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend the "Citizen Ruth" premiere in West Hollywood on November 21, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend the “Citizen Ruth” premiere in West Hollywood on November 21, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

But beneath that fire, Laura exposed a heartbreaking reality facing many older actors — a quiet struggle that lingers long after the limelight fades. She revealed:

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“A lot of actors of my parents’ generation are desperately looking for two days on a TV show in their 80s, because they’ve got to work a certain amount of hours to continue to qualify for their health insurance.”

Diane Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern, attend the First Annual Actors Studio Awards Dinner in New York City on November 5, 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern, attend the First Annual Actors Studio Awards Dinner in New York City on November 5, 1980 | Source: Getty Images

When asked to name her mother’s finest performance, Laura didn’t hesitate: “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” She called Diane’s Oscar-nominated role one of her favorite performances by any actress.

She also remembered the night of the Academy Awards as a wide-eyed little girl, nervous and clinging to Diane’s arm, a memory now wrapped in even deeper meaning.

Laura Dern stands with her mother, actress Diane Ladd, around 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Laura Dern stands with her mother, actress Diane Ladd, around 1990 | Source: Getty Images

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Raised by Women, Learning to Understand Her Father

Laura has offered glimpses into her unconventional upbringing, shaped by her parents’ early divorce and her mother’s determination to carve out a new life. Speaking to “WTF with Marc Maron,” she recalled how Diane decided to raise her with the help of her own mother, while Bruce followed a different path. Laura said:

“I mean, basically I think she realized that you might just be better off kind of trying to figure out how to do it with her mom and you know getting our own pad and letting him you know have his life as he needed it at the time you know, it’s so weird ’cause they divorced when I was two, so I don’t even know what their life looked like.”

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend their Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend their Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

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Though Bruce remained in her life, Laura explained that he was somewhat distant when she was young — not out of neglect, but uncertainty. As she got older, their relationship grew, but in those early years, he simply didn’t know how to relate to a small child.

A Mother’s Unspeakable Loss, Hidden for Decades

Behind Diane’s strength as a mother, however, was a sorrow few ever knew. Long before Laura was born, she had suffered an unimaginable loss: the death of her eldest daughter. In a 2023 “CBS Sunday Morning” interview, Diane shared the heartbreaking story publicly:

“She fell into the pool. She hit her head, knocked herself out, and it all happened instantly. And she died. And you will never get over that. I don’t care what you say to yourself. I don’t care who says what. The child is not supposed to die before the parent.”

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Diane Ladd speaks candidly during a segment aired on May 14, 2023 | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning

Diane Ladd speaks candidly during a segment aired on May 14, 2023 | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning

Laura, on the other hand, admitted that she had avoided asking about it, fearing it would reopen wounds. “That was a lesson I would want to share with everyone,” she said. “If we talk it out, there is healing of all kinds.” Diane quietly replied, “Absolutely.”

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The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

Diane Ladd’s Ex-Husband Bruce Dern Breaks Silence Following Her Passing

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud

Nov 03, 2025

08:36 P.M.

Following the death of the renowned film actress, her daughter — also in the industry — joined the family in honoring her impact on screen and in their lives.

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Hollywood is in mourning after the death of legendary actress Diane Ladd, who passed away Monday morning, November 3, 2025, in Ojai, California, at 89. Her death was confirmed by a representative for her daughter, actress Laura Dern.

Diane Ladd visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City on April 24, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City on April 24, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Laura released a statement honoring her mother’s life and career, sharing that Diane died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now,” she said.

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A towering figure in film, Diane earned three Academy Award nominations for her roles in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), “Wild at Heart” (1990), and “Rambling Rose” (1991). Her performances were known for their intensity and emotional depth, making her a standout in every role.

Diane Ladd attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation "Isle of Hope" screening and Q&A in Los Angeles on December 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation “Isle of Hope” screening and Q&A in Los Angeles on December 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

She frequently worked with her daughter, and their on-screen collaborations became some of the most emotionally resonant in Hollywood — a rare and celebrated bond that blurred the line between life and art.

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Bruce Dern Reflects on a Brilliant Career and Deep Gratitude

Bruce Dern, Diane’s former husband and Laura’s father, reflected on her legacy with heartfelt words. He described her as a “tremendous actress,” and said it wasn’t until David Lynch cast her in “Wild at Heart” that audiences truly saw the extent of her talent. He also praised her decades of service on the Screen Actors Guild board. He added:

“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.”

Diane Ladd, Bruce Dern, and their daughter Laura Dern attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony honoring all three on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd, Bruce Dern, and their daughter Laura Dern attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony honoring all three on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

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A Family That Never Slowed Down

In the final weeks before her mother’s death, Laura opened up about both of her parents, offering a rare, heartfelt glimpse into the enduring influence they held in her life. Speaking to Variety, she described Diane and Bruce as active, inspiring, and endlessly driven, still immersed in their craft and storytelling well into their 80s.

“They’re doing great,” she said at the time. “They inspire me every day to just keep going.” Diane and Bruce were, in her words, “radical characters” and “amazing storytellers,” people who lived with purpose and never stopped creating.

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend the "Citizen Ruth" premiere in West Hollywood on November 21, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend the “Citizen Ruth” premiere in West Hollywood on November 21, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

But beneath that fire, Laura exposed a heartbreaking reality facing many older actors — a quiet struggle that lingers long after the limelight fades. She revealed:

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“A lot of actors of my parents’ generation are desperately looking for two days on a TV show in their 80s, because they’ve got to work a certain amount of hours to continue to qualify for their health insurance.”

Diane Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern, attend the First Annual Actors Studio Awards Dinner in New York City on November 5, 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd and her daughter, Laura Dern, attend the First Annual Actors Studio Awards Dinner in New York City on November 5, 1980 | Source: Getty Images

When asked to name her mother’s finest performance, Laura didn’t hesitate: “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” She called Diane’s Oscar-nominated role one of her favorite performances by any actress.

She also remembered the night of the Academy Awards as a wide-eyed little girl, nervous and clinging to Diane’s arm, a memory now wrapped in even deeper meaning.

Laura Dern stands with her mother, actress Diane Ladd, around 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Laura Dern stands with her mother, actress Diane Ladd, around 1990 | Source: Getty Images

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Raised by Women, Learning to Understand Her Father

Laura has offered glimpses into her unconventional upbringing, shaped by her parents’ early divorce and her mother’s determination to carve out a new life. Speaking to “WTF with Marc Maron,” she recalled how Diane decided to raise her with the help of her own mother, while Bruce followed a different path. Laura said:

“I mean, basically I think she realized that you might just be better off kind of trying to figure out how to do it with her mom and you know getting our own pad and letting him you know have his life as he needed it at the time you know, it’s so weird ’cause they divorced when I was two, so I don’t even know what their life looked like.”

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend their Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern attend their Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood on November 1, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

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Though Bruce remained in her life, Laura explained that he was somewhat distant when she was young — not out of neglect, but uncertainty. As she got older, their relationship grew, but in those early years, he simply didn’t know how to relate to a small child.

A Mother’s Unspeakable Loss, Hidden for Decades

Behind Diane’s strength as a mother, however, was a sorrow few ever knew. Long before Laura was born, she had suffered an unimaginable loss: the death of her eldest daughter. In a 2023 “CBS Sunday Morning” interview, Diane shared the heartbreaking story publicly:

“She fell into the pool. She hit her head, knocked herself out, and it all happened instantly. And she died. And you will never get over that. I don’t care what you say to yourself. I don’t care who says what. The child is not supposed to die before the parent.”

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Diane Ladd speaks candidly during a segment aired on May 14, 2023 | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning

Diane Ladd speaks candidly during a segment aired on May 14, 2023 | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning

Laura, on the other hand, admitted that she had avoided asking about it, fearing it would reopen wounds. “That was a lesson I would want to share with everyone,” she said. “If we talk it out, there is healing of all kinds.” Diane quietly replied, “Absolutely.”

Before Diane, another Hollywood legend passed away: Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton died on Saturday, October 11, at the age of 79. She was best known for her iconic roles in “Annie Hall,” “Father of the Bride,” “The First Wives Club,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and “The Godfather.”

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Diane Keaton at the Ralph Lauren Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion Show at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 8, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Keaton at the Ralph Lauren Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion Show at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 8, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Keaton Found Her Place Through Acting

It was through acting that Keaton found a sense of belonging. “Without acting, I would have been a misfit,” she told People in 2019.

She had always seen herself as an oddball, knowing early on that she didn’t want to get married. Instead, she dedicated her life to her craft, collaborating with Woody Allen several times before ultimately winning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in “Annie Hall.”

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Her Family Made Only One Request After Her Passing

The beloved actress passed away at her home in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to her residence at approximately 8:08 a.m. local time and transported her to a nearby hospital.

Her family has not yet released a full statement on her passing, but has made one heartfelt request to the public. “There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness, said a spokesperson.

Keaton never married. She is survived by her two children — her daughter, Dexter, and her son, Duke, whom she adopted in 1996 and 2001, respectively.

Duke, Diane, and Dexter Keaton the after party for American Film Institute's 45th Life Achievement Award Gala at OHM Nightclub on June 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Duke, Diane, and Dexter Keaton the after party for American Film Institute’s 45th Life Achievement Award Gala at OHM Nightclub on June 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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Beyond her remarkable film career, Keaton was admired for her wit, authenticity, and timeless sense of style. Her signature look — the tailored suits, bowler hats, and turtlenecks — became an extension of her fearless individuality, inspiring generations of women to embrace their quirks unapologetically.

From Oscar-winning legends to TV darlings and pop royalty, tributes for Keaton continue pouring in from around the world — because no one was ready to say goodbye to the Hollywood icon.

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‘Sleep Well, Diane’: A Heartbreaking Farewell from Friends and Fans

Keaton’s death came suddenly and without warning, leaving the industry reeling. Tributes from her devastated co-starslifelong admirers, and heartbroken fans are flooding social media, each more emotional than the last.

Donna Mills, best known for “Knots Landing,” posted a touching photo of Keaton smiling at a newborn. “The incredible Diane Keaton. This photo is from my daughter, Chloe’s baby shower,” she wrote. “She was such a major talent and a wonderful Mother as well. Sleep well, Diane. You will be so missed by all 🤍.”

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‘A Heartbreaking Loss’: Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda, and Others Remember the Legend

Michael Douglas, who starred with Keaton in “And So It Goes” in 2014, honored her memory with a still from the film.

“RIP to my friend Diane Keaton. A heartbreaking loss of one of the greatest icons in our industry,” he shared. “I have so many fond memories of working with Diane on our film And So It Goes nearly twelve years ago. Sending my deepest condolences to the Keaton family during this difficult time.”

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Jane Fonda, who formed a fierce on-screen bond with Keaton in the “Book Club” films, wrote with raw disbelief. “It’s hard to believe… or accept… that Diane has passed,” she began. “She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative.”

“Unique is what she was,” Fonda said. “And though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress!”

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‘My Idol’: Cynthia Nixon’s Childhood Love for Diane

Cynthia Nixon, of “Sex and the City” fame, recalled idolizing Keaton from the age of 12. “I tried to dress like her. I wore my hair long. I sported men’s hats and vests… I wore bookish glasses because I thought they made me look more like her,” she confessed.

Getting to work alongside Keaton in “5 Flights Up” was the kind of dream that only comes true once. “I was very shy around her, but I think she liked me and that meant everything to me,” Nixon said, going on to add, “She was one of a kind. I’m so sad she is gone. 💔”

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‘She Could Do It All’: Rita Wilson, Melissa Gilbert, and Hollywood’s Sisterhood In Grief

Rita Wilson couldn’t hold back her admiration for Keaton’s endless artistic spirit. “Every time I met Diane she was laughing, smiling, creating, observing, reflecting. Her work as an artist is simply outstanding. She could do it all [sic],” she wrote.

“It’s so hard to lose someone who inspired us, for many reasons, and yet, so grateful her beauty and artistry will live on. We will miss you Diane, [sic]” Wilson added. “May her memory be eternal.”

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Melissa Gilbert, of “Little House on the Prairie,” shared a bittersweet regret — she idolized Keaton so much, she hid it from her. “I didn’t want her to know that she was my idol ..so much so..that I knew I’d gush and say something embarrassing,” Gilbert admitted.

“I have so many questions for her…that I guess won’t be answered this lifetime,” she went on to add. “So I will simply say ‘good night sweet woman. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'”

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Goldie Hawn’s Gut-Wrenching Post: ‘We Agreed to Grow Old Together’

Goldie Hawn, Keaton’s co-star in “The First Wives Club,” shared a heartbreakingly personal memory of their time together — and a future they once dreamed of.

“I was blessed to make First Wives Club with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love,” Hawn recalled.

“We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends,” she continued. “Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”

Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn arrive at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2005, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn arrive at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2005, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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‘You’re Both Idiots’: Steve Martin Remembers Her Wit

Steve Martin, her co-star in the “Father of the Bride” films, posted a moment that summed up their chemistry perfectly. “Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?” Martin Short asked Keaton. Her answer? “I mean, you’re both idiots.” Martin captioned it:

“Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who also starred in the Father of the Bride series, said working with Keaton would always remain one of the highlights of her life.

Diane Keaton and Steve Martin are pictured during Giorgio Armani Receives First "Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style" Award at Rodeo Drive on September 9, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Keaton and Steve Martin are pictured during Giorgio Armani Receives First “Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style” Award at Rodeo Drive on September 9, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

‘Unbearably Sad’: Hollywood’s Brightest Stars Can’t Let Go

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From Bette Midler, who called her “brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary,” to Mandy Moore, who saw her as a lifelong hero, the sense of loss is palpable.

“It felt like she’d be here forever, dazzling us with her talent and charm,” Moore wrote. “I am so sad she’s gone for all the reasons […].” Even musicians felt her loss. Pink, the powerhouse behind “Just Give Me a Reason,” called Keaton her muse. “Her humor, wit, charm, fashion, and laugh. She will be so missed 💔,” the singer posted.

Diane Keaton onstage during the panel for "The Godfather" 45th Anniversary Screening during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival closing night at Radio City Music Hall on April 29, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Keaton onstage during the panel for “The Godfather” 45th Anniversary Screening during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival closing night at Radio City Music Hall on April 29, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she was the eldest of four. Her mother’s maiden name — Keaton — would one day appear in lights. She was a fashion rebel, a rom-com queen, and a woman who gave the world permission to be awkward, brilliant, and entirely themselves.

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Diane Ladd, Actress and Mother of Laura Dern, Dies at 89 — After Being Told She Had Only Months to Live

Taitirwa Sehliselwe Murape

Nov 04, 2025

03:58 A.M.

Laura Dern’s mother’s passing came over a year after Dern opened up about how the diagnosis her mom received sparked emotional and deep conversations between them.

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Diane Ladd, a trailblazing actress known for her magnetic presence and fearless portrayals, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. Her famous daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Diane Ladd at SiriusXM Studios in New York City on April 24, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd at SiriusXM Studios in New York City on April 24, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

‘She Is Flying with Her Angels Now’: The Farewell of a Silver Screen Legend

Dern released a heartfelt statement that honored not only her mother’s legacy on screen, but also her spirit off it. “She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and [sic] empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,” Dern expressed. “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

The “Jurassic Park” star offered no cause of death, focusing instead on the love and reverence that defined their relationship.

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Diane Ladd and Laura Dern at AARP The Magazine's 19th Annual Movies For Grownups Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 11, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd and Laura Dern at AARP The Magazine’s 19th Annual Movies For Grownups Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 11, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

A Dazzling Career Marked by Brilliance, Boldness, and Biting Humor

Over the course of her storied career, Ladd was known as a performer of rare intensity and effortless timing — a gifted artist who moved seamlessly between television, film, and the stage.

Though many came to know her for her work later in life, her rise began long before her scene-stealing performance in Martin Scorsese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” in 1974, which earned her the first of three Academy Award nominations.

Diane Ladd posing for a photo as a character from a TV show in 1988. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd posing for a photo as a character from a TV show in 1988. | Source: Getty Images

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As Flo, the tough yet charismatic waitress, Ladd delivered a performance that became emblematic of her range — capable of biting humor, emotional depth, and raw vulnerability, often within the same breath.

Roles in “Chinatown,” “Primary Colors,” and David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart” followed, the latter of which was particularly dear to her. Not only did she act opposite her daughter, but the film — which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1990 — allowed Ladd to stretch creatively, even going toe-to-toe with Lynch on the vision for her character.

Diane Ladd in a scene from "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" with Kris Kristofferson in November, 1974. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd in a scene from “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” with Kris Kristofferson in November, 1974. | Source: Getty Images

Recalling one of their exchanges, she shared with Vulture in 2024, “One day, the script said that Marietta gets in bed, curls up with her baby dog, and is sucking her thumb. I looked at him and said, ‘David, I don’t want to do that.'”

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What followed was a compromise only someone of Ladd’s conviction could pull off — a glamorous nightgown, a martini in hand, and a hypnotic sway to music only her character could hear. “He said OK, I did it, and he loved it,” she recalled.

Top photo: Laura Dern and Diane Ladd on the set of "Wild at Heart." Bottom photo: Diane Ladd and Harry Dean Stanton; photos taken circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Top photo: Laura Dern and Diane Ladd on the set of “Wild at Heart.” Bottom photo: Diane Ladd and Harry Dean Stanton; photos taken circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Ladd’s versatility carried across decades. On television, when she was in her 20s, she appeared in classics like “Perry Mason,” “Gunsmoke,” and “The Big Valley.” She also later appeared on “ER” and “Touched by an Angel” and starred in “Alice,” the spinoff of her breakthrough film. Her performances could be both haunting and heartwarming, always grounded in truth.

Even as she played scheming mothers, mournful lovers, or spiritual guides, Ladd’s Southern roots and sharp instincts lent every role a certain sincerity that set her apart.

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A Prophecy Fulfilled: Diane Ladd’s Childhood Destiny and Hollywood Rise

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Born Rose Diane Ladner in Laurel, Mississippi, she was told by her great-grandmother at a young age that she would one day stand “in front of a screen” and “command” audiences. Ladd believed in that prophecy — and lived it.

In her memoir “Spiraling Through the School of Life,” she reflected on that early moment, one that stayed with her as she went from unknown ingénue to matriarch of one of Hollywood’s most beloved acting families.

Diane Ladd posing in a portrait circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd posing in a portrait circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images

Ties to the arts ran deep: she was a second cousin to playwright Tennessee Williams, and her first husband — Dern’s father — is himself an Academy Award nominee. Their union, and eventual divorce, was part of a tumultuous personal life that Ladd never shied away from addressing.

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Of her first two husbands, including William A. Shea, Jr., she once told The New York Times in 1976 that neither of the two knew how to display love. Her third marriage, to author and former PepsiCo executive Robert Charles Hunter, brought a steadier chapter — one that lasted from 1999 until his death in July 2025.

Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern having dinner in New York in 1960. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern having dinner in New York in 1960. | Source: Getty Images

In the end, it was in the quiet comfort of her home where Ladd drew her final breath. “My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Dianne Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Calif,” revealed Dern. A career filled with glamor, grit, and grace came to a peaceful close surrounded by love.

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

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

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A Terminal Diagnosis That Changed Everything

But Ladd’s extraordinary journey wasn’t without its share of battles — one of the most daunting came several years before her passing, when she was dealt a grim prognosis. She was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and incurable lung disease.

Diane Ladd at the Hallmark Channel Summer TCA in Beverly Hills, California on July 26, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Diane Ladd at the Hallmark Channel Summer TCA in Beverly Hills, California on July 26, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Doctors, weighing the severity of her condition, warned that she might have no more than six months to live. For Dern, the news was devastating — but it also became a catalyst for something unexpectedly beautiful.

“The doctor told us the one thing that can help her is getting her to walk to breathe deeper,” Dern divulged in a candid 2023 interview with People. And so began a series of slow, measured walks through Santa Monica — simple, quiet moments that would become transformative for both mother and daughter.

Healing Walks and Honest Talks

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So they walked. Slowly. Side by side. Ladd on oxygen; Dern holding space. Step by step, they opened up in ways they never had before, about their experiences as actors, the griefs they had carried, and the losses they had never fully unpacked.

From the end of Ladd’s marriage to Dern’s father to the death of their first child (Dern’s late sister), nothing was off limits. The actress said that their talks “grew into a profound deepening” of their relationship.

For Dern, her mother’s terrifying diagnosis in 2018 became a wake-up call — not only to Ladd’s fragile health, but to the emotional distance that can exist even in the closest relationships.

Speaking to “Today” in 2023, Dern admitted, “I was shocked at how little I’d asked her. The hard stuff […] But even the simple stuff. I’ve worked alongside my mother and yet never asked, ‘Why did you want to become an actress?'”

Ladd had developed scarring on her lungs — a result of pesticide exposure in her Ventura County neighborhood. But rather than withdraw, the pair leaned into each other. At first painful, their walks quickly became deeply therapeutic.

“And she said that she really felt finally releasing some of the grief and challenges and heartbreak of her life, as well as us laughing over absurd fights and silly things we’ve been through was in fact so healing, physically and emotionally,” Dern recalled.

The Book That Immortalized the Mother and Daughter’s Journey

One of their first topics? Death. “She said, ‘I’m not afraid of it.’ She was afraid of leaving me, she was afraid of not being here to watch her grandchildren grow,” Dern divulged.

By early 2019, Dern had started recording their talks — partly for her children, partly as a tribute. It grew into a book“Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding).” Against all odds presented by her diagnosis, Ladd kept going. She filmed “Young Sheldon” in 2021 and completed two movies.

“They say they’re practicing medicine, so I’m not going to believe one doctor, I’m going to go to several, and I’m going to keep fighting with alternative modalities and my daughter and I’s love for each other,” Ladd had previously stated. “All I know is, four years later, I made two movies, a TV show, and wrote a book.” As they shared their story, they discovered that it resonated.

“We saw that siblings and mother [sic] and fathers and sons and daughters, they were all having conversations they’d never had,” Dern expressed.

Through daily talks, the two navigated joyful memories, painful regrets, and raw truths long unspoken. Dern asked her mother to open up about hard subjects, including the loss of her first child at 18 months old, and was surprised by the clarity and healing those discussions offered.

“I thought I was doing all this talking and reminiscing for my mother’s sake, to give her peace and strength in her final months or years and to let her know how she’d shaped me and how grateful I was for her example,” Dern wrote. “But I would come to learn that this time with her was a gift for me as well.”

At a book event, Ladd, who was healthier at that time and credited with having been misdiagnosed, stood beside her daughter and declared, “I chose to live.” She also called Dern her “angel” and credited her for saving her life.

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd posing for a photo together, posted on May 1, 2023. | Source: Instagram/reesewitherspoon

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd posing for a photo together, posted on May 1, 2023. | Source: Instagram/reesewitherspoon

Diane Ladd Still Glowed in Her Late 80s

Though those walks were born out of fear and uncertainty, they blossomed into something timeless — a testament to resilience, love, and the healing power of honesty. And as Ladd continued to defy expectations, not just in spirit but in presence, it wasn’t long before the world took notice once again.

In May 2023, fellow A-lister Reese Witherspoon shared a beautiful Instagram carousel post spotlighting the time she spent with Ladd and Dern. Fans were pleased to see the veteran actress looking so good at 87 despite being ill.

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Diane Ladd seen in a candid photo shared by Reese Witherspoon. | Source: Instagram/reesewitherspoon

Diane Ladd seen in a candid photo shared by Reese Witherspoon. | Source: Instagram/reesewitherspoon

One admirer said they had always been jealous of Ladd’s “porcelain” skin. Meanwhile, another marveled at how terrific she looked for her age, and someone else commented that Ladd and Dern looked like sisters.

Many others were also stunned by Ladd’s youthful appearance and praised her for looking wonderful even though she was nearing 90. Overall, fans were enamored with the photos of the trio.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Laura Dern, her entire family, friends, community, loved ones, and all who knew and loved Ladd as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Ladd.

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