'Alice's Diane Ladd Is a Gray-Haired Beauty at 87 after She 'Fooled' Doctors Who Gave Her 6 Months to Live In 2018

Diane Ladd has starred in more than 120 films, and the iconic actress has no plans to slow down. She won her life back after a health scare in 2018 and now enjoys her days making memories with her family. Her unique philosophy about aging is inspiring.

Diane Ladd stole hearts after she starred in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," but 38 years later, she still keeps kicking. The 87-year-old loves her life as an actress, mother, wife, and grandmother.

She wore many hats throughout her life, having studied nutrition and psychology. But that's not all—the star also obtained her ordination as a minister. While many people of Ladd's age might consider retirement, the same cannot be said for her.

The actress treated life like one grand production and was determined to "keep on truckin'!" However, things took a worrying turn when Ladd fell sick with a bad case of pneumonia.

Medical professionals gave her six months to live. Her daughter was a puddle of tears, but the movie star "fooled" her doctors and survived the ordeal.

Ladd has taken more time for family in recent years, but her acting credits keep growing. In 2022 she starred in the film, "Gigi and Nate."

Despite countless nominations and awards, including a BAFTA Award and Golden Globe trophy, Dern remained Ladd's greatest achievement. One look at Dern's social media and the equal adoration she has for her mother is evident.

In a 2021 post, the proud daughter wished her mom a happy mother's day and said:

"Happy Mother’s Day to my fiery, passionate artist mama! I am so grateful to you for your love and, man oh man ... for getting me here. You are my hero!"

The Incomparable Actress Proved Doctors Wrong Twice

Ladd called Dern her "miracle child," and the name came from a challenging season in her life. The actress's refusal to accept the doctor's prognosis regarding her pneumonia wasn't the first time she defied medical predictions.

Doctors told Ladd she wouldn't be able to have a child after a car accident, but the actress refused to accept it. She studied techniques for strengthening her body and believed she would have a healthy baby. Eventually, she did.

Dern was born in 1967 and followed in her famous mom's footsteps, but Ladd wasn't a supporter of her career choice at first. The daughter was forced to meet with agents and audition secretly, landing roles and quickly cementing her status in Hollywood.

Soon enough, Ladd realized her little girl had a tremendous gift and belonged in front of the camera. Dern still saw her "Goddess Mama" as the "best darn actress EVER!"

When she accepted her Oscar for best supporting actress in "Marriage Story," Dern paid an emotional tribute to her parents. She said:

"Some say: 'Never meet your heroes,' I say, if you're really blessed, you get them as your parents."

Age Does Not Define Diane Ladd

Diane has a very active social and family life. She regularly appears on TV shows and always looks happy and healthy. To commemorate her 87th birthday and the release of her new indie movie, "Isle Of Hope," her daughter arranged a celebration in December 2022.

There is no stopping the star, and when asked when her time for working would end, she stated she would "die with her boots on." She also quipped:

"I will never retire until the curtain goes down on this play."

The legendary actress also had a unique and inspiring recipe for living a life of happiness. She told people they needed to allow their hearts to smile, hold back on judgment, and spread kindness and forgiveness in every situation.

Ladd never allowed age to define her and even tied the knot around 60. Her philosophy on growing older was simple, and she expressed:

"Don’t accept your age — accept your mind and soul and what you've got to do. Don't fall into a pattern because someone else is doing it that way."

The incomparable starlet's positivity rubbed off on everyone around her and explained why she had so much joy. The smile on her face lit up every room, and unlike many other Hollywood icons, she enjoyed her years as an actress—and still does!

Ladd's loved ones spoilt her whenever they had the chance to do so, and for her birthday, proud daughter Dern wrote:

"Nothing like waking up my cutie mama on her birthday surrounded by friends and cakes! I love you beyond measure, amazing Diane!!!!!!! I’m such a blessed daughter."

The bond between Ladd and Dern is one-of-a-kind, and they love spending time together. Dern is grateful for every minute she shares with her mom and notes that she is her inspiration. The adorable pair still go for swims, and a smiling Ladd regularly features on Dern's Instagram.

Life wasn't always easy for Ladd, but she overcame many battles thanks to her attitude and uplifting support structure. Sometimes, it seemed like the end of her life was near, but the actress refused to give up.

Her passion and determination are encouraging, and the following words by her former co-star Jim Belushi define the person she is and always will be:

"I rode with her to the set one day and she made me cry. The speech she gave me about being an actor was one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I ever heard. She just radiates artistic joy and accomplishment and understanding."