Diane Ladd's Cause Of Death, 'Wild At Heart' Actress Fought A Severe Lung Illness 6 Years Ago

Veteran actress, Diane Ladd (born Rose Diane Ladner) died at the age of 89 on Monday, November 3, 2025, at her home in Ojai, California. Diane's daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed the news. She was a three-time Academy Award nominee, known for roles in films such as Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Chinatown, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, the latter two of which also featured her daughter, Laura Dern. The death of the beloved actress left Laura heartbroken. She shared that she was by her mother, Diane's side, in her final moments.

What was Diane Ladd's cause of death?

The exact cause of Diane Ladd's death was not disclosed in her daughter, Laura's statement. However, the actress had previously been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a severe lung disease, in 2018. Although her condition had improved by 2023, the disease might have relapsed in 2025, becoming fatal for the 89-year-old. Notably, this is a predicted cause of death of Diane Ladd by some media houses, and has not been confirmed by the deceased's side.

Diane Ladd's daughter, Oscar-winner Laura Dern, shared a heartfelt post for her mother after her passing. She expressed her love for her mother by calling Diane her ''amazing hero'' and ''profound gift. She confirmed that Diane took her last breath in her presence at the Alice star's Ojai home. Recalling how empathetic and unbelievably good a human being Diane was, Laura labelled her as "the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist." The post can be read as:

"My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai. 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."

About Diane Ladd's family life

Diane Ladd was part of a prominent Hollywood family and was related by blood and marriage to several figures in the entertainment industry. Her father, Preston Paul Ladner, was a veterinarian, and her mother, Mary Bernadette Ladner, was a housewife and occasional actress. Diane was married three times, with her first husband being Bruce Dern. The couple was married from 1960 to 1969, and she shared two daughters with the Oscar-nominated actor. The elder child, Diane Elizabeth Dern, died by drowning in a pool.

The tragic incident of her daughter's death changed Diane Ladd as a person, and she was no longer in a mental state to lead a happy married life. She ended her first marriage to Bruce, and they remained close friends after their divorce, even working on several films together. Daine then married William A. Shea Jr. in 1969, and they split in 1977. William was a businessman whose father was the man behind Shea Stadium, the home ground of the MLB team, the New York Mets.

Diane's third husband, Robert Charles Hunter, was a corporate executive and former CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems, an author, and a film producer. They tied the knot in 1999 and remained married until his death. After 26 years of togetherness, Diane's beloved Robert died just three months before her death in July 2025. Diane is survived by her two grandchildren, Ellery and Jaya Harper, the children of Laura Dern and her husband, Ben Harper, who is a musician.

We share our heartfelt condolences with Diane Ladd's family and hope they find the strength to cope with the grief of her passing.

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

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