Bruce Dern Pays Heartfelt Tribute to ‘Brilliant’ Ex-Wife Diane Ladd After Her Death at 89

Veteran actor Bruce Dern pays heartfelt tribute to his late ex-wife, legendary actress Diane Ladd, who passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 89. Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee and one of Hollywood’s most respected performers, was remembered by Dern as “funny, clever, and gracious.” The actor said he will “be forever grateful” to her for being “a wonderful mother” to their daughter, Laura Dern.

The emotional statement follows the announcement of Ladd’s death, shared publicly by Laura Dern earlier this week. The Hollywood community continues to mourn the loss of one of cinema’s greats, whose career spanned over seven decades.

What Happened

According to PEOPLE, Bruce Dern, 89, expressed his admiration and affection for his former wife in a touching message reflecting on her life and work. Ladd passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3.

“Diane was a tremendous actress,” Dern said in his statement. “She was a bit of a hidden treasure until she ran into David Lynch. When he cast her as Laura’s mom in Wild at Heart, it felt like the world then really understood her brilliance.”

The couple married in 1960 and divorced in 1969, sharing two daughters — Laura and Diane, the latter of whom tragically passed away at just 18 months old. Despite their separation, Dern and Ladd maintained a strong bond as co-parents and respected peers in the entertainment industry.

Ladd earned Academy Award nominations for her roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Wild at Heart (1990), and Rambling Rose (1991), all performances that cemented her status as a master of character-driven storytelling.

Reactions and Tributes

In his official statement, Bruce Dern pays deep respect to both Ladd’s professional accomplishments and her contributions to the acting community.

“She lived a good life. She saw everything the way it was. She was funny, clever, gracious,” Dern said.
“She was a great teammate to her fellow actors and a valued member of SAG-AFTRA, giving a real actress’s point of view. But most importantly, she was a wonderful mother to our incredible wunderkind daughter. For that, I will be forever grateful to her.”

Ladd and Dern’s daughter, Laura Dern, 58, has spoken openly about her admiration for both parents. When she accepted her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story in 2020, Laura dedicated her win to her “acting heroes” — her mother and father.

“Some say never meet your heroes, but if you’re really blessed, you get them as your parents,” Laura said during her Oscars speech.

Legacy and Industry Response

Ladd’s passing represents a profound loss to Hollywood’s golden generation. Her career bridged eras, connecting classic cinema with modern auteurs like David Lynch. She also played a vital role as a board member of SAG-AFTRA, advocating for the rights and welfare of working actors.

Known for her commanding screen presence and emotional depth, Ladd inspired many, including her daughter Laura, who became one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation.

Industry peers have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating Ladd’s warmth, mentorship, and trailblazing artistry. Her death also brings renewed appreciation for her contributions to film and television, spanning from Chinatown (1974) to Inland Empire (2006).

Upcoming Tributes and Memorials

Family representatives confirmed that a private funeral service will be held later this week in Los Angeles, followed by a public memorial hosted by SAG-AFTRA to honor her lifetime achievements.

Meanwhile, Bruce Dern will continue his work on upcoming screen projects, including All Day Happy Dance and Fractured, both slated for release in 2026. Dern recently appeared alongside Laura in Apple TV+’s Palm Royale, marking one of the few times father and daughter have shared screen time since Wild at Heart.