Diane Ladd (née Ladner) was an American actress. With a career spanning over 70 years, she appeared in over 200 films and television shows, receiving three Academy Award nominations for her roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, the first of which won her a BAFTA Award. She was also nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, winning one for her role in the sitcom Alice. Ladd’s other film appearances include Chinatown, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), Ghosts of Mississippi, Primary Colors, 28 Days and Joy. She was the mother of actress Laura Dern, with her ex-husband, actor Bruce Dern.
Birth Name
Rose Diane Ladner
Nickname
Diane
Profession
Actress
Nationality
American
Personal Life
Birthday / Date of Birth
She was born on the 29th of November 1935, in Laurel, Mississippi, United States of America.
| Birth Name | Rose Diane Ladner |
| Nickname | Diane |
| Date of Birth | 29th of November 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Laurel, Mississippi, United States of America |
| Died | 3rd of November 2025 (aged 89), in Ojai, California, United States of America. |
| Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Profession | Actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Education
Ladd’s educational path began in her hometown of Mississippi, where she balanced academics with an early love for theatre. Determined to follow her passion, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi, studying drama and public speaking.
Family Details
- Father – Preston Paul Ladner (A Veterinarian)
- Mother – Mary Bernadette Ladner (Housewife and Actress)
- Siblings – She is the only child
Marital Status
Single
Boyfriend / Spouse
Diane Ladd has dated –
- Bruce Dern (1960-June 1969) – From 1960 to 1969, Ladd was married to actor and one-time co-star Bruce Dern. They had two daughters, Diane Elizabeth, who died at age eighteen months after a drowning accident, and Laura Elizabeth, who became an actress. Ladd and Laura also appeared together in White Lightning and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, although Laura was uncredited in both.
- William A. Shea, Jr. – From 1969 to 1977, Ladd was married to William A. Shea Jr..
- Robert Charles Hunter (February 1999-November 2025) (her death) – In 1999, she married again in 1999, to her third husband, Robert Charles Hunter. Hunter was at one point the CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems. They remained married until Hunter’s death in 2025, three months before her own death.
Physical Statistics
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| Weight |
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| Body Build | Slim |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
Professional Statistics
Famous For
Diane is for her award-nominated roles and also for her enduring legacy in Hollywood. She gained critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), and later earned another nomination for Wild at Heart (1990). As a three-time Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner, she has inspired countless actors with her dedication, versatility, and passion for her craft. Her career, spanning over six decades, highlights her unique ability to evolve while maintaining excellence in every performance.
Television Debut
In the late 1960s, Ladd made her television debut appearing in various guest roles on popular TV series of the time. One of her earliest notable appearances was on The Carol Burnett Show, where her performance showcased her versatility and comedic timing.
Film Debut
In 1959, Diane began her cinematic journey with the film The Wild and the Innocent. Though a relatively small role, it highlighted her potential and determination to succeed in a competitive industry.
Diane Ladd Net worth
Diane Ladd has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2025.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Diane Ladd
- Rose was born in Laurel, Mississippi, while the family was visiting relatives for Thanksgiving, though they lived in Meridian, Mississippi.
- From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in performing arts, participating in school plays and community theater.
- She first gained professional experience performing on regional theater stages, which helped shape her expressive acting technique.
- In 1971, Ladd joined the cast of the CBS soap opera The Secret Storm. She was the second actress to play the role of Kitty Styles on the long-running daytime serial.
- Diane’s debut film, The Wild and the Innocent (1959), introduced her to the Hollywood audience and launched her long career.
- Her subsequent film appearances included Black Widow (1987), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), Primary Colors (1998), 28 Days (2000) and Joy (2015).
- She appeared in the independent screwball comedy Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me in 1992, where she played a flirty, aging Southern belle alongside her real mother, actress Mary Lanier
- Her role in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) earned her widespread critical acclaim and her first Oscar nomination.
- Diane received multiple nominations and awards, including Golden Globe wins, for her outstanding acting in both film and television.
- Beyond acting, Ladd remains active in mentoring, writing, and public appearances, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and inspiring younger generations of actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Diane Ladd?
She was a celebrated Hollywood actress and filmmaker, recognized for her compelling and versatile performances, having received three Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe win for her contributions to film and television.
What is the age of Diane Ladd?
She is 89 years old (29th of November 1935).
What is the real name of Diane Ladd?
Her real name is Rose Diane Ladner.
What is Diane Ladd Height?
The Height of Diane is 1.70 m (5′7”).
What is Diane Ladd Weight?
The Weight of Diane is 60 kg (132 lbs).
What is the Net worth of Diane Ladd?
She has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2025.
Why is Diane Ladd Famous?
She is best known for her versatile and compelling performances in film and television, including her Academy Award-nominated roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, as well as her Golden Globe-winning work that has cemented her legacy in Hollywood.