WORLD
Diane Ladd dies at 89: Net worth, family, marriages, and her most iconic roles
Hollywood mourns the loss of Diane Ladd, the three-time Oscar-nominated actress who passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 89. Known for her fierce, funny, and emotionally resonant performances across film and television, Ladd leaves behind a legacy that spans six decades and touches multiple generations of audiences and artists.
Net Worth and Career Highlights
At the time of her passing, Diane Ladd’s estimated net worth stood at $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her wealth was built through a prolific career in: Film and television acting, Stage performances, Writing and directing
Real estate investments, including a notable 2.5-acre estate in Ojai, California, purchased for $1.1 million in 1998 and sold for $3.1 million in 2021
Family and Children
Ladd’s personal life was marked by both tragedy and triumph. She had two daughters with her first husband, actor Bruce Dern:
Diane Elizabeth Dern, who tragically died at 18 months in a drowning accident
Laura Dern, who rose to become one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses
The mother-daughter duo collaborated on several acclaimed projects, including Wild at Heart (1990), Rambling Rose (1991), and co-authored the memoir Honey, Baby, Mine. Diane is survived by Laura and her grandchildren, Ellery and Jaya Harper.
Love and Marriages
Diane Ladd’s romantic journey included three marriages:
Bruce Dern (1960–1969): Their marriage ended following the loss of their daughter, but they remained close friends and collaborators. In 2010, Diane, Bruce, and Laura became the first family trio to receive adjoining stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
William Shea Jr. (1969–1977): Son of the namesake of Shea Stadium, their marriage lasted eight years.
Robert Charles Hunter (1999–2024): A PepsiCo executive, Hunter and Ladd married on Valentine’s Day in a star-studded ceremony and remained together until his death.
Most Iconic Roles
Diane Ladd’s filmography is a masterclass in versatility and emotional depth. Her most celebrated performances include:
Film/TV Title Recognition
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) Oscar Nominee
Wild at Heart (1990) Oscar Nominee
Rambling Rose (1991) Oscar Nominee
Alice (TV Series) Golden Globe Winner
Chinatown (1974) Cult Classic
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) Fan Favorite
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) Holiday Staple
Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) Historical Drama
Primary Colors (1998) Political Satire
Mrs. Munck (1996) Directed by Ladd

