The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a legendary talent as the official cause of death for acclaimed actress Diane Ladd has been confirmed. Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee and mother to actress Laura Dern, passed away at the age of 89.
Medical Details Emerge
According to a death certificate obtained by People magazine, Diane Ladd died from acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure. The document listed two significant contributing conditions: interstitial lung disease and esophageal dysmotility. Ladd was cremated on November 10, 2025, following her passing on November 3 at her home in Ojai, California.
A Daughter's Tribute and a Storied Career
Laura Dern, Ladd's daughter and occasional co-star, confirmed her mother's passing at the time with a moving statement. "My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother passed with me beside her this morning at her home in Ojai, Calif.," Dern expressed. She celebrated her mother as "the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created."
Ladd's remarkable career spanned over six decades, beginning with television roles in the late 1950s. Her prolific list of credits includes:
- Early appearances on Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and The Fugitive
- Oscar-nominated performances in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1975), Wild at Heart (1991), and Rambling Rose (1992)
- Recent work on Young Sheldon (2021) and a main role in all six seasons of Chesapeake Shores
Family Legacy and Personal Life
Diane Ladd was married three times. Her first marriage was to Bruce Dern, Laura's father, from 1960 to 1969. She later married William A. Shea Jr. (1973-1976) and Robert Charles Hunter, whom she wed in 1999. Tragically, Hunter predeceased her, passing away on July 31, 2025.
Bruce Dern, her 89-year-old former husband, paid tribute to Ladd upon her death. "She lived a good life. She saw everything the way it was," he stated. "She was a great teammate to her fellow actors. She was funny, clever, gracious."
In addition to her daughter Laura, Diane Ladd's legacy continues through her grandchildren, Ellery Walker and Jaya Harper. The actress's impact on film and television, marked by her powerful performances and enduring spirit, leaves an indelible mark on Hollywood history.
