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The Oscar-nominated performer the celebrated Diane Ladd has died at the age of 89.

This actor, whose credits spanned Chinatown, left this world in her residence in California’s Ojai. Her passing was shared via an announcement shared by her daughter, award-winning actress Laura Dern, her daughter.

Laura Dern, who performed alongside her mom in various films such as Wild at Heart, referred to her as “my wonderful hero as well as my profound gift as a mother”, writing that she was by her side as she died.

“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist along with empathetic spirit that seemed almost dreamlike,” she wrote. “We were lucky to have her. Her spirit soars with angels.”

Initial Roles and Breakthrough

Her initial acting years included supporting roles on television series such as The Fugitive and the 1970s had her appearing next to Jack Nicholson in Chinatown.

That very year, 1974, she appeared with actress Ellen Burstyn in Scorsese’s praised dramatic comedy Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, a classic. The performance landed Ladd an Academy Award nomination in the supporting actress category.

1980s and Beyond

During the eighties, she was seen in crime thriller Black Widow, a suspense story plus comedy sequel National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and also took part in the show Alice, a sitcom derived from Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.

In the subsequent decade, she was given an additional supporting actress Oscar nomination for her performance in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart in which she portrayed the parent of her biological child Dern’s character. The following year she obtained a further nomination for her performance in the film Rambling Rose which included Laura Dern.

“This was the picture that Princess Diana selected as her very favorite, and she brought us to London for a premiere and a celebration dedicated to us,” Ladd recalled regarding Rambling Rose. “She positioned herself between us, taking our hands, and crying, seeing us act.”

The nineties included parts in humorous films Cemetery Club, a film reuniting her with her co-star Burstyn, Primary Colors, a political comedy, starring John Travolta and the film by Alexander Payne Citizen Ruth, a dark comedy where she acted as Dern’s mother again. Those years also earned her Emmy nominations for work in the series Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman, Grace Under Fire and Touched by an Angel.

Partnerships with Her Daughter

She persisted in performing with her daughter in comedy drama Daddy and Them, David Lynch’s Inland Empire, a surreal film and Mike White’s comedy-drama series the program Enlightened. She also appeared with actress Sandra Bullock in 28 Days, Anthony Hopkins in The World’s Fastest Indian plus Jennifer Lawrence in Joy.

Subsequent TV appearances consisted of Ray Donovan, a drama and Young Sheldon, a comedy.

Filmmaking Ventures

Ladd also wrote and helmed the humorous movie Mrs Munck featuring her and ex-husband actor Bruce Dern. “Bruce is a great actor,” she said. “I’m privileged to have directed him in a film. Indeed, I’m the only woman in history to direct her ex-husband. I humorously say: ‘I say ladies, if you seek payback, guide your former spouse.’ However, I’m joking.”

Personal Connections

Ladd was also a relative of playwright Tennessee Williams, who she called “a great influence throughout my life”.

Back in 2018, Ladd was misdiagnosed with a pulmonary condition and advised she only had half a year left yet she recovered completely when her daughter transferred her to a different hospital.

“If you can take your pain and prevent it from festering like an injury, rather utilize it to explore, to clarify the journey for yourself and others, then you are triumphing,” Ladd remarked.