Diane Ladd, Celebrated For Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Has Died at 89 Years Old.
The Academy Award-nominated actress the celebrated Diane Ladd left us 89 years old.
This actress, whose credits featured National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, died at her home in California’s Ojai. The news was revealed in a statement shared by her child, Oscar-winning actor her daughter Laura Dern.
Her daughter, who appeared with her mom in various films such as Wild at Heart, called her “my wonderful hero plus my profound gift of a mother”, stating that she was at her bedside as she died.
“She was the most wonderful grandmother, mother, daughter, performer, creative along with compassionate soul that seemed almost dreamlike,” she expressed. “We were lucky to have her. She is now with the angels.”
Early Career and Rise to Fame
The start of her career included minor parts in television programs like The Fugitive while the 1970s had her appearing next to the legendary Jack Nicholson in the classic Chinatown.
That very year, 1974, she appeared with actress Ellen Burstyn in the Martin Scorsese acclaimed comedy drama Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. The performance landed Ladd her initial Oscar nod as best supporting actress.
Subsequent Years
In the 1980s, she was seen in the dramatic film Black Widow, a suspense story as well as humorous film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation while also joining Alice, a comedy program based on Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
In the following decade, she earned an additional supporting actress Oscar nomination for her role in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart, a cult classic in which she portrayed the mother of her actual daughter Dern’s character. A year later she obtained a further nomination for her role in the film Rambling Rose that also featured Laura Dern.
“This movie that Princess Diana picked as her top choice, and she flew us to the UK for a royal premiere and a party dedicated to us,” Ladd shared regarding Rambling Rose. “She sat with us, grasping our hands, with tears, viewing our performance.”
The 1990s also saw roles in comedy The Cemetery Club bringing her back with her co-star Burstyn, Primary Colors, a comedy about politics, starring John Travolta and the film by Alexander Payne the movie Citizen Ruth where she acted as the mother of Dern another time. That period also saw her score Emmy nominations for work in the series Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman, Grace Under Fire and Touched by an Angel.
Working with Laura Dern
She continued to star alongside her daughter in films blending humor and drama Daddy and Them, a movie, David Lynch’s the movie Inland Empire and White’s satirical show the program Enlightened. She additionally starred alongside Sandra Bullock in 28 Days, Anthony Hopkins, a legend in The World’s Fastest Indian and with Jennifer Lawrence in Joy, a biographical drama.
Her more recent television parts featured Ray Donovan, a drama and Young Sheldon.
Filmmaking Ventures
She also authored and helmed the comedy Mrs Munck that included herself and previous spouse Bruce Dern. “Bruce is an excellent performer,” she said. “I was honored to direct him in a film. Indeed, I am the sole female in recorded history to helm a film with her ex. I often joke: ‘I say ladies, if you seek payback, guide your former spouse.’ Though I’m just teasing.”
Family Ties
Ladd was also the third cousin of playwright Tennessee Williams, who she called “a great influence in my life”.
In 2018, Ladd was misdiagnosed with lung disease and informed she had just six months to live but made a full recovery when her daughter transferred her to a new hospital.
“When you use your pain and prevent it from festering like an injury, rather utilize it to investigate, to make the path clearer for you and those around, then you are triumphing,” Ladd remarked.
