Diane Ladd's Story: Left Husband After Daughter's Death, Two Divorces, Marriage With PepsiCo's CEO

Diane Ladd has died at the age of 89, and the unfortunate news of her demise has been shared by her loving daughter, Laura Dern, in a public statement. The Academy Award-winning actress provided a statement to The Hollywood Reporter in which she confirmed that her doting mother had passed away in her presence. Laura lauded her mother by calling her the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit. She concluded her statement saying, "We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now."

Diane Ladd dies at 89: A look into Laura Dern's mother and three-time Oscar nominee's illustrious career in Hollywood

The heartbreaking news of Diane Ladd's demise has shaken Hollywood, as she was one of the finest actresses of her generation. Born as Rose Diane Ladner on November 19, 1935, she had worked in over 200 films and television shows. Some of her most memorable acting performances were seen in films and television shows such as Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Alice, Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Grace Under Fire, and Touched by an Angel.

With three Academy Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, one BAFTA Award, one Golden Globe Award, and one Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female to her name, Diane Ladd was also among the most celebrated actresses of her time. Apart from being an exceptional actress, she was also mistaken for the legendary actor, Alan Ladd's daughter. It all started when the British Academy Awards listed her as Alan Ladd's daughter because of their identical surnames.

Was the 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' actress, Diane Ladd related to Alan Ladd and Cheryl Ladd? Here's the truth

Over time, the confusion grew, and people began speculating that Diane Ladd was a family relative of Alan's daughter-in-law, Cheryl Ladd. Finally, in an old interview with a leading publication, Diane came forward to end the confusion, revealing that her original surname is Ladner and that it was shortened during the early days of her acting career in Hollywood. She clearly stated that she is not related to Alan Ladd and Cheryl Ladd. Diane said:

"My name originally was Ladner, not Ladd. Hollywood took my 'ner' away. When I won the British Academy Award, they announced that I was Alan Ladd's daughter to like 72 million people. And I'm not."

Wild at Heart actress, Diane Ladd ended her first marriage with Bruce Dern after the death of their 18-month-old daughter, Diane Elizabeth

Diane Ladd had an incredibly successful career in Hollywood, but, unfortunately, on the personal front, she experienced many ups and downs. The Wild at Heart actress and iconic actor, Bruce Dern, met in the early 1960s, and while working on the off-Broadway production of Orpheus Descending, they grew closer. The couple got married in 1960 and welcomed their first daughter, Diane Elizabeth Dern, in November of that same year.

Heartbreakingly, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern's 18-month-old daughter, Elizabeth, died after falling into the pool while being under a babysitter's care. Although they welcomed their second daughter, Laura Dern, in February 1967, the death of their first daughter had already torn them apart. In 1969, Diane and Bruce's marriage ended in divorce, after which she raised their daughter, Laura, with the help of her actress-mother, Mary Bernadette Anderson Garey.

Rambling Rose actress, Diane Ladd's second marriage was with William A. Shea Jr., whose father, William A. Shea Sr., helped bring MLB back to NYC

After her divorce from Bruce Dern in 1969, Diane Ladd fell in love with renowned businessman and investor, William A. Shea Jr., and the couple married that same year. They had no children and got divorced in 1977 due to a series of irreconcilable issues in their marriage. For the uninitiated, William A. Shea Jr. was the son of legendary lawyer, William A. Shea Sr., who helped bring Major League Baseball (MLB) back to New York City.

Alice actress, Diane Ladd's third marriage with Robert Charles Hunter: Wedding with PepsiCo's ex-CEO on Valentine's Day

After two divorces, Diane Ladd took her sweet time before falling in love with someone. Finally, in her early 60s, she crossed paths with the former CEO of PepsiCo, Robert Charles Hunter, in 1998 in Arizona's Sedona. After meeting, the mature individuals fell in love and began dating. Diane and Robert married on Valentine's Day, the day of love, in 1999. The Alice actress finally found someone who loved her the way she had always wanted to be loved her whole life.

Diane Ladd and Robert Charles Hunter also co-founded a production house and led a beautiful married life. Time and again, we have heard Diane lauding Robert for always being her biggest cheerleader and supporter. Unfortunately, Robert passed away in August 2025, and months after the demise of her loving husband, Diane Ladd also went to her heavenly abode on November 3, 2025. Our deepest condolences go to Diane's family and friends.

What are your thoughts on Diane Ladd's journey from the first child's death to two divorces before finally embracing peace and love with Robert Charles Hunter? Let us know.

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