Actor Bruce Dern has shared a heartfelt tribute to his former wife, acclaimed actress Diane Ladd, following her death on Monday at the age of 89.
“Diane was a tremendous actress,” Dern said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. Dern and Ladd were married from 1960 to 1969 and shared a daughter together, award-winning actress Laura Dern.
Reflecting on her career, Bruce noted that Ladd, known for her roles in iconic films like Chinatown, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and Wild at Heart, was somewhat of a “hidden treasure” until she worked with filmmaker David Lynch. “When he cast her as Laura’s mother in Wild at Heart, it felt like the world began to recognize her brilliance,” he said.
Ladd and her daughter Laura Dern appeared together in multiple projects over the years. Two of Ladd’s three Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress came from roles in films alongside Laura — Rambling Rose and Wild at Heart. Her third nomination was for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
Bruce also praised Ladd’s contribution to the industry beyond acting. “She served as a valuable member of the Screen Actors Guild for decades, always representing the true voice of an actress. She lived honestly, supported her peers, and was funny, sharp, and gracious.”
He concluded his tribute by saying, “Most importantly, she was a wonderful mother to our extraordinary daughter. For that, I will forever be grateful.”
Laura Dern Confirms Her Mother’s Passing
Laura Dern confirmed her mother’s death in a statement to Entertainment Weekly, saying, “My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother passed away this morning at her home in Ojai, California, with me by her side.”
Laura described Ladd as “the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit that could ever exist. We were so lucky to have her. She is flying with the angels now.”
Diane Ladd’s Personal Life and Legacy
Over her lifetime, Ladd was married three times. After her divorce from Bruce Dern in 1969, she married William Shea Jr. from 1969 to 1977, and later married businessman Robert Charles Hunter in 1999, remaining with him until his death earlier in 2024. Despite their divorce, Ladd and Bruce Dern remained on good terms.
Speaking in 2023, Ladd joked alongside her daughter, “Bruce is one of the world’s greatest actors. He wasn’t the best husband, but he’s an incredible actor.”
Laura Dern has always been open about her admiration for both her parents. In her 2020 Oscars speech, when she won Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story, she said, “Some say never meet your heroes, but if you’re truly blessed, they’re your parents. I share this with my acting heroes, my legends, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern.”
