Actress Diane Ladd, a three-time Academy Award nominee deeply admired for her powerful and versatile performances on stage and screen, passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 89 at her home in Ojai, California, with her daughter Laura Dern by her side.

Recognized as one of Hollywood’s enduring talents, her career spanned more than six decades, earning her respect for roles in films such as "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore," "Wild at Heart," and "Rambling Rose." 

She made history alongside Dern, her daughter, as the first mother-daughter pair to be nominated for Oscars for the same film. Her signature portrayal of Flo in "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore" helped inspire the subsequent television series "Alice," and she brought her distinct comic touch and dramatic depth to numerous television and theater productions throughout her career. 

Though she was never officially confirmed to have died from a specific cause, she had been diagnosed in recent years with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease that she bravely discussed with Laura Dern and fought with remarkable spirit. Her passing arrives shortly after the loss of her husband of 26 years, Robert Charles Hunter, who died three months earlier. 

Diane Ladd and Hunter co-founded their production company and remained creative collaborators up until his death. In a heartfelt statement, Laura Dern paid tribute to her mother’s profound influence, expressing that she was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit, highlighting the deep bond and gratitude felt within their family. 

Hollywood and audiences around the world mourn the loss of Diane Ladd, whose resilient artistry, compassionate spirit, and loving family legacy remain an inspiration across generations.