Diane Ladd, the esteemed actress and Oscar nominee, passed away on November 3 at the age of 89. Her cause of death has now been disclosed as acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, as per an exclusive report by PEOPLE. Details from the death certificate obtained by the publication reveal that Ladd had been battling an interstitial lung disease for months leading up to her passing. Another contributing factor listed was esophageal dysmotility. The document also states that Ladd was cremated on November 10.
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In an emotional statement, Ladd’s daughter, Laura Dern, who is also a well-known actress, shared her profound grief over the loss of her mother. Dern described Ladd as her hero and an extraordinary mother, highlighting her varied talents and empathetic nature. She recounted being by her mother’s side when she passed away at their home in Ojai, California. Dern expressed gratitude for having had the privilege of calling Ladd her mother, portraying her as a truly inspirational figure who will be dearly missed.
Ladd had a successful career in both film and television that spanned several decades. She gained prominence with an Oscar-nominated performance in Martin Scorsese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” which also led to her winning a Golden Globe for her role in the spinoff TV series “Alice.” Collaborating with her daughter Laura, Ladd starred in notable films such as “Wild at Heart” and “Rambling Rose,” earning two more Oscar nominations for her outstanding performances.
Aside from her acting career, Ladd’s personal life was marked by marriages and family. Following her marriage to Bruce Dern in the 1960s, Ladd went on to marry twice more. Her husband since 1999, Robert Charles Hunter, passed away earlier this year at the age of 77. Ladd is survived by her daughter Laura, as well as her grandchildren Ellery Walker and Jaya Harper.
Bruce Dern, Ladd’s former husband, paid tribute to her on the day of her passing, lauding her as a great colleague and a witty, gracious individual. The loss of Ladd has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and fans, who remember her for her remarkable talents and warm personality. She leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
The news of Diane Ladd’s cause of death sheds light on the health struggles she faced in her final days and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. Her contributions to the world of cinema and her presence in the lives of those who knew her will be cherished and remembered fondly. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy lives on through her work and the memories she shared with her loved ones.