Diane Ladd had a long career in television and theatre before her big break in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
In her decade-long career, Diane has been nominated for several Academy Award nominations.
Sadly, Diane passed away on November 3, 2025, aged 89. Her daughter Laura Dern confirmed her mother’s death, revealing she was by Diane’s side.
“My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, [California]. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,” Laura wrote in a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter.
“We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”
Laura certainly followed in her parents Hollywood footsteps given her father and Diane’s ex-husband, Bruce Dern was also an actor. Diane and Bruce wed in 1960, welcomed two children together before their divorce in 1969.
Their first born, Diane Elizabeth sadly passed away at just 18 months old. Meanwhile, Laura was born in 1967.
As an actress, Diane has over 140 credits spanning across television shows and films. But as a mother, she has made a lasting impression on her daughter.
“Of the many gifts of having Diane as my mom, watching her at every age in every experience never give up on a dream … has been one of the great inspirations of my life. Always finding the glass half full, always building onto dreams and knowing that self-love is the ultimate goal and guiding me to remembering that in myself,” Laura said of her mother on CBS Sunday Morning in 2023.
Diane Ladd’s most notable movie roles:
Wild at Heart
1990
The real life mother-and-daughter brought their relationship to the screen in this dark, and somewhat controversial film. Laura portrayed Lula, who goes on the run with her boyfriend Sailor (Nicolas Cage) after he breaks parole for self-defence manslaughter.
Meanwhile, Diane portrayed Lula’s mother Marietta who hires criminals to kill Sailor! Talk about family drama.
Wild at Heart is available to stream on Apple TV+ in Australia.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
1974
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore was Diane’s breakout role, released in 1974 – the first time Diane ever shared the screen with her daughter Laura.
In the romantic drama, Diane starred in a supporting role as a waitress while her daughter who was 7 at the time was a background character, enjoying some ice cream.
The film follows 35-year-old Alice Hyatt who takes takes to the road with her 11-year-old son after her husband died, chasing her girlhood dream of becoming a singer.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is available to stream on Apple TV+ and SBS On Demand in Australia.
The Wild Angels
1966
Diane and Bruce worked together in the 1996 outlaw biker movie, The Wild Angels. Bruce portrayed Joe ‘Loser’ Kearns, while Diane played Gaysh.
When Loser’s motorcycle is stolen, he enlists his gang Hells Angel’s to help him find his bike and also revenge.
Also starring in the film was Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra, and Buck Taylor.
Rambling Rose
1991
Another Diane and Laura collaboration! Set during the Great Depression, Rambling Rose follows 19-year-old Rose. By accepting a housemaid job for the Hillyer family, Rose hopes to avoid prostitution.
But the story grows complex as Rose starts crushing on the father. The film is narrated by a grown-up Buddy looking back at his childhood and time with Rose, detailing her provocative nature.
Diane portrayed the mother, Mrs Hillyer in Rambling Rose.
Rambling Rose is available for streaming on Apple TV+ in Australia.
The Grace Kelly Story
1983
Diane portrayed Margaret Kelly, the mother of Grace Kelly, in the 1983 biographical film, The Grace Kelly Story.
The made-for-television movie details Grace Kelly’s life, from her small-town days, life as an actress, and her marriage to Prince Rainer which saw her become the Princess of Monaco.
Bluegrass
1988
Bluegrass follows Maude, a woman trying to be successful in the male-dominated industry of horse racing when obstacles of greed, power, games and love comes into play.
Diane portrayed Verna Howland in the 1988 film.
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