Veteran Hollywood actress Diane Ladd has died at the age of 89, just over three months after the passing of her husband Robert Charles Hunter, the former PepsiCo CEO. Ladd passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at her home in Ojai, California, according to a statement by her daughter, actress Laura Dern. Hunter died on July 31, 2025, at age 77, during a family visit to Texas. The couple had been married since 1999, sharing both professional and personal milestones over 26 years together.
Who: Diane Ladd, acclaimed American actress and three-time Oscar nominee.
What: Passed away at age 89, three months after her husband Robert Charles Hunter’s death.
When: Monday morning, November 3, 2025.
Where: At her home in Ojai, California.
Why: Ladd had been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, in recent years.
How: Peacefully, surrounded by family including her daughter Laura Dern.
Career and Legacy
Ladd’s career spanned over five decades, earning three Academy Award nominations and three Emmy nominations. She gained widespread acclaim for her performances in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Rambling Rose, and Wild at Heart.
She frequently collaborated with her daughter Laura Dern, appearing together in films like Wild at Heart (1990), Citizen Ruth (1996), and Inland Empire (2006), as well as the HBO series Enlightened (2011–2013).
Alongside her husband, Ladd co-founded Excel Entertainment in 1999, where they produced several projects. Hunter made a rare acting appearance in Inland Empire, directed by David Lynch.
Family Statement and Reactions
In her statement, Laura Dern, 58, said:
“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”
Hollywood tributes have since poured in across social media, with co-stars and colleagues honoring Ladd’s generosity and artistry.
Impact on Hollywood
Diane Ladd’s passing marks the end of an era in American cinema. Known for her deep emotional range and Southern grace, she influenced generations of actors, including her daughter.
Her 2023 book with Laura Dern, Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding), became a bestseller, capturing their bond and resilience amid Ladd’s illness.
The couple’s deaths—just three months apart—reflect a profound chapter closing in Hollywood’s history, as both were deeply involved in storytelling and mentorship.
What’s Next
At the time of her death, Ladd had one unreleased film, Blue Champagne, directed by Blaine Novak and co-starring Jennifer Nicholson. The project remains in post-production with no confirmed release date.
Funeral details have not yet been made public. The Dern family has requested privacy during this period of mourning.
Sources
PEOPLE Magazine – Original reporting by Tommy McArdle (Nov. 3, 2025)
The Hollywood Reporter – August 2025 coverage of Robert Charles Hunter’s death
IMDb – Diane Ladd filmography and career records
Variety – Archival tributes and award history
