Veteran actress Diane Ladd, aged 89, passed away from acute chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, compounded by interstitial lung disease and esophageal dysmotility. Her daughter, Laura Dern, announced her death and shared an emotional tribute. Born in Mississippi, Ladd built a celebrated career in film and television alongside actor Bruce Dern.
Nearly two weeks after Diane Ladd passed away at the age of 89, the specific reason for her death has been made public. The announcement of her passing was posted on November 3, with her daughter, Laura Dern, sharing the news with fans and the press.
Official cause of death disclosed
According to People, Ladd’s death certificate reveals that she passed away due to acute chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, a condition where low oxygen levels affect the blood. The certificate also mentions that she had interstitial lung disease, a long-term lung condition she battled for years. Additionally, esophageal dysmotility was listed as another contributing cause. According to records, Ladd was cremated on November 10.
Laura Dern’s heartfelt tribute
Shortly after Diane Ladd’s passing, Laura Dern shared with The Independent, “My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Ca. 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.”
Early life and acting beginnings
Diane Ladd, originally named Rose Diane Ladner, was born on November 29, 1935, in Laurel, Mississippi. She adopted the surname Ladd early in her acting journey, which started in theater and television. In the 1950s, she appeared in popular TV shows like ‘Naked City’, ‘Perry Mason’, and ‘Mr. Novak’. While performing in an off-Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending in 1959, she met her future husband and co-star Bruce Dern, marrying him the next year. The couple experienced the heartbreak of losing their first daughter, Diane Elizabeth Dern, who drowned at 18 months, but their second daughter, Laura Dern, was born in 1967 and went on to become a well-known actress.
Film debut and career highlights
Ladd’s first film role was a small, uncredited appearance in the 1961 neo-noir movie ‘Something Wild’. She landed her first credited role five years later in the 1966 outlaw biker film ‘The Wild Angels’, which starred Bruce Dern and Peter Fonda. Go to Source
