Diane Ladd's Ex-Husband Bruce Dern Breaks Silence Following Her Passing

Following the death of the renowned film actress, her daughter — also in the industry — joined the family in honoring her impact on screen and in their lives.

Hollywood is in mourning after the death of legendary actress Diane Ladd, who passed away Monday morning, November 3, 2025, in Ojai, California. She was 89. Her death was confirmed by a representative for her daughter, actress Laura Dern.

Laura released a statement honoring her mother's life and career, sharing that Diane died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. "We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now," she said.

A towering figure in film, Diane earned three Academy Award nominations for her roles in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (1974), "Wild at Heart" (1990), and "Rambling Rose" (1991). Her performances were known for their intensity and emotional depth, making her a standout in every role.

She frequently worked with her daughter, and their on-screen collaborations became some of the most emotionally resonant in Hollywood — a rare and celebrated bond that blurred the line between life and art.

Bruce Dern Reflects on a Brilliant Career and Deep Gratitude

Bruce Dern, Diane's former husband and Laura's father, reflected on her legacy with heartfelt words. He described her as a "tremendous actress," and said it wasn't until David Lynch cast her in "Wild at Heart" that audiences truly saw the extent of her talent. He also praised her decades of service on the Screen Actors Guild board. He added:

"She lived a good life. She saw everything the way it was. She was a great teammate to her fellow actors. She was funny, clever, gracious. But most importantly to me, she was a wonderful mother to our incredible wunderkind daughter. And for that I will be forever grateful to her."

A Family That Never Slowed Down

In the final weeks before her mother's death, Laura opened up about both of her parents, offering a rare, heartfelt glimpse into the enduring influence they held in her life. Speaking to Variety, she described Diane and Bruce as active, inspiring, and endlessly driven, still immersed in their craft and storytelling well into their 80s.

"They're doing great," she said at the time. "They inspire me every day to just keep going." Diane and Bruce were, in her words, "radical characters" and "amazing storytellers," people who lived with purpose and never stopped creating.

But beneath that fire, Laura exposed a heartbreaking reality facing many older actors — a quiet struggle that lingers long after the limelight fades. She revealed:

"A lot of actors of my parents' generation are desperately looking for two days on a TV show in their 80s, because they’ve got to work a certain amount of hours to continue to qualify for their health insurance."

When asked to name her mother's finest performance, Laura didn't hesitate: "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore." She called Diane's Oscar-nominated role one of her favorite performances by any actress.

She also remembered the night of the Academy Awards as a wide-eyed little girl, nervous and clinging to Diane's arm, a memory now wrapped in even deeper meaning.

Raised by Women, Learning to Understand Her Father

Laura has offered glimpses into her unconventional upbringing, shaped by her parents' early divorce and her mother's determination to carve out a new life. Speaking to "WTF with Marc Maron," she recalled how Diane decided to raise her with the help of her own mother, while Bruce followed a different path. Laura said:

"I mean, basically I think she realized that you might just be better off kind of trying to figure out how to do it with her mom and you know getting our own pad and letting him you know have his life as he needed it at the time you know, it's so weird 'cause they divorced when I was two, so I don't even know what their life looked like."

Though Bruce remained in her life, Laura explained that he was somewhat distant when she was young — not out of neglect, but uncertainty. As she got older, their relationship grew, but in those early years, he simply didn't know how to relate to a small child.

A Mother's Unspeakable Loss, Hidden for Decades

Behind Diane's strength as a mother, however, was a sorrow few ever knew. Long before Laura was born, she had suffered an unimaginable loss: the death of her eldest daughter. In a 2023 "CBS Sunday Morning" interview, Diane shared the heartbreaking story publicly:

"She fell into the pool. She hit her head, knocked herself out, and it all happened instantly. And she died. And you will never get over that. I don't care what you say to yourself. I don't care who says what. The child is not supposed to die before the parent."

Laura, on the other hand, admitted that she had avoided asking about it, fearing it would reopen wounds. "That was a lesson I would want to share with everyone," she said. "If we talk it out, there is healing of all kinds." Diane quietly replied, "Absolutely."

Before Diane, another Hollywood legend passed away: Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton died on Saturday, October 11, at the age of 79. She was best known for her iconic roles in "Annie Hall," "Father of the Bride," "The First Wives Club," "Something's Gotta Give," and "The Godfather."

Keaton Found Her Place Through Acting

It was through acting that Keaton found a sense of belonging. "Without acting, I would have been a misfit," she told PEOPLE in 2019.

She had always seen herself as an oddball, knowing early on that she didn’t want to get married. Instead, she dedicated her life to her craft, collaborating with Woody Allen several times before ultimately winning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Annie Hall."

Her Family Made Only One Request After Her Passing

The beloved actress passed away at her home in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to her residence at approximately 8:08 a.m. local time and transported her to a nearby hospital.

Her family has not yet released a full statement on her passing, but has made one heartfelt request to the public. "There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness," said a spokesperson.

Keaton never married. She is survived by her two children — her daughter, Dexter, and her son, Duke, whom she adopted in 1996 and 2001, respectively.

Beyond her remarkable film career, Keaton was admired for her wit, authenticity, and timeless sense of style. Her signature look — the tailored suits, bowler hats, and turtlenecks — became an extension of her fearless individuality, inspiring generations of women to embrace their quirks unapologetically.

From Oscar-winning legends to TV darlings and pop royalty, tributes for Keaton continue pouring in from around the world — because no one was ready to say goodbye to the Hollywood icon.

'Sleep Well, Diane': A Heartbreaking Farewell from Friends and Fans

Keaton's death came suddenly and without warning, leaving the industry reeling. Tributes from her devastated co-stars, lifelong admirers, and heartbroken fans are flooding social media, each more emotional than the last.

Donna Mills, best known for "Knots Landing," posted a touching photo of Keaton smiling at a newborn. "The incredible Diane Keaton. This photo is from my daughter, Chloe's baby shower," she wrote. "She was such a major talent and a wonderful Mother as well. Sleep well, Diane. You will be so missed by all 🤍."

'A Heartbreaking Loss': Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda, and Others Remember the Legend

Michael Douglas, who starred with Keaton in "And So It Goes" in 2014, honored her memory with a still from the film.

"RIP to my friend Diane Keaton. A heartbreaking loss of one of the greatest icons in our industry," he shared. "I have so many fond memories of working with Diane on our film And So It Goes nearly twelve years ago. Sending my deepest condolences to the Keaton family during this difficult time."

Jane Fonda, who formed a fierce on-screen bond with Keaton in the "Book Club" films, wrote with raw disbelief. "It's hard to believe… or accept… that Diane has passed," she began. "She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative."

"Unique is what she was," Fonda said. "And though she didn't know it or wouldn't admit it, man she was a fine actress!"

'My Idol': Cynthia Nixon's Childhood Love for Diane

Cynthia Nixon, of "Sex and the City" fame, recalled idolizing Keaton from the age of 12. "I tried to dress like her. I wore my hair long. I sported men's hats and vests… I wore bookish glasses because I thought they made me look more like her," she confessed.

Getting to work alongside Keaton in "5 Flights Up" was the kind of dream that only comes true once. "I was very shy around her, but I think she liked me and that meant everything to me," Nixon said, going on to add, "She was one of a kind. I'm so sad she is gone. 💔"

'She Could Do It All': Rita Wilson, Melissa Gilbert, and Hollywood's Sisterhood In Grief

Rita Wilson couldn't hold back her admiration for Keaton's endless artistic spirit. "Every time I met Diane she was laughing, smiling, creating, observing, reflecting. Her work as an artist is simply outstanding. She could do it all [sic]," she wrote.

"It's so hard to lose someone who inspired us, for many reasons, and yet, so grateful her beauty and artistry will live on. We will miss you Diane, [sic]" Wilson added. "May her memory be eternal."

Melissa Gilbert, of "Little House on the Prairie," shared a bittersweet regret — she idolized Keaton so much, she hid it from her. "I didn't want her to know that she was my idol ..so much so..that I knew I'd gush and say something embarrassing," Gilbert admitted.

"I have so many questions for her…that I guess won't be answered this lifetime," she went on to add. "So I will simply say 'good night sweet woman. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'"

Goldie Hawn's Gut-Wrenching Post: 'We Agreed to Grow Old Together'

Goldie Hawn, Keaton's co-star in "The First Wives Club," shared a heartbreakingly personal memory of their time together — and a future they once dreamed of.

"I was blessed to make First Wives Club with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love," Hawn recalled.

"We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends," she continued. "Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I'm going to miss the hell out of you."

'You're Both Idiots': Steve Martin Remembers Her Wit

Steve Martin, her co-star in the "Father of the Bride" films, posted a moment that summed up their chemistry perfectly. "Who's sexier, me or Steve Martin?" Martin Short asked Keaton. Her answer? "I mean, you're both idiots." Martin captioned it:

"Don't know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane."

Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who also starred in the Father of the Bride series, said working with Keaton would always remain one of the highlights of her life.

'Unbearably Sad': Hollywood's Brightest Stars Can't Let Go

From Bette Midler, who called her "brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary," to Mandy Moore, who saw her as a lifelong hero, the sense of loss is palpable.

"It felt like she'd be here forever, dazzling us with her talent and charm," Moore wrote. "I am so sad she's gone for all the reasons […]." Even musicians felt her loss. Pink, the powerhouse behind "Just Give Me a Reason," called Keaton her muse. "Her humor, wit, charm, fashion, and laugh. She will be so missed 💔," the singer posted.

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she was the eldest of four. Her mother's maiden name — Keaton — would one day appear in lights. She was a fashion rebel, a rom-com queen, and a woman who gave the world permission to be awkward, brilliant, and entirely themselves.