Acclaimed Actress Diane Ladd, Famed For Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Dies at 89 Years Old.
The award-nominated performer Diane Ladd has died at the age of 89.
This star, with credits featured National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, passed away at home at her Ojai, California home. The news was announced through a message by her offspring, award-winning actress her daughter Laura Dern.
Her daughter, who appeared with her mom in a number of films like Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, described her as “my amazing hero and my profound gift as a mother”, writing that she was present as she died.
“She was the greatest mother, daughter, grandmother, star, artist and compassionate soul that felt like a dream come true,” she expressed. “We were blessed to have her. She is now with the angels.”
Beginnings and Breakthrough
Her initial acting years featured supporting roles in TV shows like Gunsmoke whereas the 1970s featured her performing alongside actor Jack Nicholson in the film Chinatown.
During that year, 1974, she appeared alongside Ellen Burstyn in the Martin Scorsese praised comedy drama Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, a classic. The performance brought Ladd her first Oscar nomination in the supporting actress category.
Subsequent Years
During the eighties, she was seen in the thriller Black Widow as well as comedy sequel National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and appeared on the show Alice, a comedy program inspired by Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
During the next ten years, she earned a further Oscar nomination for supporting actress Oscar nomination for her performance in the David Lynch film Wild at Heart, a cult classic where she played the parent of her actual daughter Dern’s character. The following year she received a further nomination for her role in the film Rambling Rose which included her daughter.
“This was the film which Princess Diana picked as her top choice, and she flew Laura and I to the UK for a premiere and a celebration dedicated to us,” Ladd shared of Rambling Rose. “She positioned herself between us, holding both our hands, and weeping, seeing us act.”
The 1990s featured performances in the comedy Cemetery Club bringing her back with Ellen Burstyn, Primary Colors, a political story, a political comedy, with John Travolta and Payne’s the movie Citizen Ruth in which she portrayed Laura Dern’s mom again. The decade also saw her score nominations for Emmy Awards for roles in Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman, Grace Under Fire, a sitcom plus Touched by an Angel.
Partnerships with Her Daughter
She persisted in performing alongside her daughter in comedy drama Daddy and Them, the David Lynch project Inland Empire and the series by Mike White satirical show Enlightened, a TV series. She also appeared with actress Sandra Bullock in 28 Days, a movie, Anthony Hopkins in The World’s Fastest Indian and with Jennifer Lawrence in Joy.
Subsequent TV appearances featured the series Ray Donovan and Young Sheldon.
Filmmaking Ventures
She also authored and helmed the comedy the movie Mrs Munck which starred her and previous spouse Bruce Dern, an actor. “Bruce is an excellent performer,” she said. “It was a privilege to guide him on a project. Indeed, I stand as the only woman in history who directed her former husband. I humorously say: ‘I say ladies, if you want revenge, direct your ex-husband.’ Though I’m just teasing.”
Personal Connections
She was additionally a family member of Tennessee Williams, whom she described as “a significant impact on my life”.
During 2018, Ladd was misdiagnosed with lung disease and told she only had half a year left yet she recovered completely when her daughter transferred her to a new hospital.
“Should you harness your suffering and prevent it from festering like a sore or something, instead apply it to discover, to clarify the journey for personal and collective growth, then you are triumphing,” Ladd said.
