By Harshit
OJAI, Calif., Nov. 18, 2025 —
The cause of death has been officially released for Diane Ladd, the acclaimed actress and mother of Oscar winner Laura Dern. Ladd, who passed away on Nov. 3 at the age of 89, died from acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, according to her death certificate obtained by People magazine.
The document also listed interstitial lung disease, a chronic condition affecting the lungs’ ability to supply oxygen, as a key underlying cause, while esophageal dysmotility, a disorder that affects movement in the esophagus, was cited as a contributing condition. Ladd died peacefully at her home in Ojai, California, and was cremated on Nov. 10, according to the report.
Understanding Ladd’s Condition
Respiratory failure occurs when the body cannot get enough oxygen or effectively remove carbon dioxide. The Cleveland Clinic defines it as a potentially life-threatening condition that can happen either suddenly (acute) or over time (chronic).
In Ladd’s case, the condition developed gradually, worsening over several years due to her battle with interstitial lung disease. The illness had previously left her hospitalized and, according to past interviews, doctors once predicted she had only months to live.
However, Ladd defied the odds. She credited her recovery and longevity to walking therapy and deep-breathing exercises, which she often did with her daughter, Laura Dern, who encouraged her to stay active and engaged.
A Storied Career Spanning Seven Decades
Born Diane Ladd Freeman on Nov. 29, 1935, in Laurel, Mississippi, Ladd’s remarkable acting career began in the late 1950s with appearances on television series such as “Decoy” and “Naked City.” She became one of Hollywood’s most respected character actresses, known for her emotional range, fierce intelligence, and Southern charm.
Her breakthrough role came in Roman Polanski’s 1974 noir classic “Chinatown,” where she played the sharp and ill-fated prostitute Ida Sessions opposite Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. The performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her standing in the film industry.
Ladd went on to receive three Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress — for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), “Wild at Heart” (1990), and “Rambling Rose” (1991). She also appeared in beloved projects such as “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989), and “Primary Colors” (1998).
Her television work included recurring roles on “Alice” (the sitcom based on the 1974 film), “Kingdom Hospital,” and HBO’s “Enlightened,” where she once again acted opposite her daughter, Laura Dern.
A Close Bond with Daughter Laura Dern
Diane Ladd’s relationship with her daughter Laura Dern was one of Hollywood’s most enduring and admired family partnerships. The two not only shared a deep personal connection but also an artistic collaboration that spanned decades.
Ladd and Dern appeared together in multiple films, including David Lynch’s surreal masterpiece “Wild at Heart” and the deeply personal “Rambling Rose,” which earned both women Academy Award nominations — a rare feat in Hollywood history.
Their most recent collaboration came in the HBO series “Enlightened” (2011–2013), where Ladd played Dern’s on-screen mother. The series mirrored their real-life dynamic: supportive, complex, and rooted in mutual respect.
Following Ladd’s passing, Laura Dern, 58, shared an emotional tribute with The Hollywood Reporter, writing,
“My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created.”
A Legacy of Art, Family, and Resilience
Ladd’s personal life was marked by triumph and tragedy. She married fellow actor Bruce Dern in 1960, and together they had two daughters, Laura and Diane Elizabeth, the latter of whom tragically died in a drowning accident at just 18 months old. The couple divorced in 1969 but remained connected through their shared love for Laura and the craft of acting.
Throughout her life, Ladd maintained a spiritual outlook and credited her Mississippi roots for her perseverance and faith. In her later years, she became a published author and painter, continuing to express herself creatively even as her health declined.
When asked about mortality in a 2022 interview, Ladd said:
“Death doesn’t scare me. I’ve had a wonderful life — full of art, family, and love. My only wish is that we all remember to breathe, to listen, and to be kind. That’s what makes life beautiful.”
Remembering Diane Ladd
Tributes from across the entertainment industry have poured in since her passing. Fellow actors, directors, and fans celebrated her long and varied career, calling her “a Southern icon,” “a force of nature,” and “one of the last greats of her generation.”
Martin Scorsese, who directed Ladd in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, said in a statement, “Diane had an honesty that was impossible to fake. She brought humanity to every role — even the smallest gestures were alive with truth.”
Her daughter, Laura Dern, concluded her tribute simply:
“Thank you for being my teacher, my partner, and my best friend. You made me who I am.”