November 4, 2025 : Veteran Hollywood actress Diane Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee and one of the most beloved character actresses of her generation, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for her rich career spanning over six decades, Ladd left behind a remarkable legacy in cinema, television, and theatre.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her family early Tuesday morning. Her daughter, acclaimed actress Laura Dern, shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing, “My mother, my teacher, my guiding light — your love and courage will live forever in me.”
Born on November 29, 1935 in Mississippi, Diane Ladd began her acting journey in theatre before moving to Hollywood in the late 1950s. She made her film debut in The Wild Angels (1966) and rose to prominence with her powerful performance in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 classic Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore — a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Ladd went on to receive two more Oscar nominations for Wild at Heart (1990) and Rambling Rose (1991), the latter of which starred her real-life daughter Laura Dern. The mother-daughter duo made history as the first pair to be nominated for Oscars in the same year for the same film.
Over her illustrious career, Diane Ladd appeared in more than 120 films and television shows, including Chinatown, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Alice (the TV adaptation of the Scorsese film), and Enlightened. Her performances were lauded for their emotional depth, authenticity, and understated power.
Beyond her acting achievements, Ladd was a writer, producer, and director, often using her influence to mentor young actors and advocate for women’s representation in Hollywood.
According to multiple entertainment reports, Diane Ladd’s estimated net worth at the time of her death was around $10 million, accumulated through her decades-long film career, royalties, and creative ventures.
Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood. Actress Reese Witherspoon called her “a trailblazer who showed generations of women what strength and grace truly mean,” while Martin Scorsese remembered her as “a force of nature who brought truth to every role she touched.”
Ladd had continued to work well into her 80s, recently publishing her memoir A Lifetime of Love and making appearances at film festivals celebrating her contributions to cinema.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood’s golden generation of character actors — those whose presence enriched every story they touched. Ladd’s performances will be remembered not only for their artistic brilliance but also for their humanity and depth.
Diane Ladd is survived by her daughter Laura Dern, two grandchildren, and extended family members who have all followed in her artistic footsteps.
A private funeral ceremony will be held in Los Angeles later this week, with a public memorial planned for early December to celebrate her life and work.
Summary
Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd, known for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and Wild at Heart, passed away at 89, leaving behind daughter Laura Dern and an inspiring Hollywood legacy.