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The Academy Award-nominated performer Diane Ladd has died aged 89.

The actress, whose filmography spanned Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, died at her home in Ojai, California. Her passing was shared via an announcement by her offspring, award-winning actress Laura Dern.

Her daughter, who appeared with Diane Ladd in a number of films like Rambling Rose, described her as “my wonderful hero and my special gift as a mother”, noting that she was present when she passed.

“She was an exceptional mother, daughter, grandmother, star, artist as well as caring individual that seemed almost dreamlike,” she expressed. “We were fortunate to know her. Her spirit soars with angels.”

Beginnings and Rise to Fame

Ladd’s early career included minor parts in TV shows like The Fugitive and that decade had her appearing alongside the legendary Jack Nicholson in the film Chinatown.

In the same year, the year 1974, she shared the screen with actress Ellen Burstyn in Martin Scorsese’s praised film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, a classic. Her role landed Ladd her initial Oscar nod in the supporting actress category.

Later Decades

In the 1980s, she starred in the thriller Black Widow, a suspense story as well as humorous film Christmas Vacation and also took part in Alice, a television series derived from her earlier movie.

In the subsequent decade, she earned a further best supporting actress Academy Award nomination for her performance in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart, a cult classic where she acted as the mother of her actual daughter Dern’s character. The next year she was awarded a further nomination for her role in Rambling Rose, another movie that also featured Dern.

“This was the film that the late Princess Diana chose as her absolutely favorite, and she invited Laura and I to the UK for a royal premiere and an event for us,” Ladd said regarding Rambling Rose. “She positioned herself between us, grasping our hands, with tears, watching us perform.”

That decade featured performances in comedy The Cemetery Club bringing her back with Ellen Burstyn, Primary Colors, a political comedy, starring John Travolta and Payne’s the movie Citizen Ruth where she played Dern’s mother once more. Those years also brought her TV award nominations for performances on Dr Quinn, Grace Under Fire, a sitcom and Touched by an Angel.

Collaborations with Daughter

She persisted in performing with her daughter in films blending humor and drama Daddy and Them, David Lynch’s Inland Empire and White’s dark comedy series Enlightened, a TV series. She was also seen with Sandra Bullock, a star in the film 28 Days, Anthony Hopkins in that movie and with Jennifer Lawrence in the film Joy.

Subsequent TV appearances featured the series Ray Donovan plus Young Sheldon.

Behind the Camera

She additionally penned and oversaw the comedy film Mrs Munck that included Diane Ladd and previous spouse Bruce Dern. “Bruce is a great actor,” she mentioned. “I’m privileged to have directed him in a movie. In fact, I stand as the only woman ever to direct her ex-husband. I humorously say: ‘I say ladies, if you want revenge, helm a movie with your ex.’ However, I’m joking.”

Personal Connections

Ladd was also the third cousin of the great Tennessee Williams, who she called “a major inspiration on my life”.

During 2018, doctors misdiagnosed Ladd with lung disease and told her life expectancy was six months but made a full recovery when her daughter shifted her to another medical facility.

“If you can take your pain and prevent it from festering like an injury, rather utilize it to investigate, to clarify the journey for personal and collective growth, then you are succeeding,” Ladd expressed.