History of Diane Ladd in Timeline

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Diane Ladd

Diane Ladd is a prolific American actress recognized for her extensive work in film and television, encompassing over 200 roles. Notably, she earned three Academy Award nominations for her performances in *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore*, *Wild at Heart*, and *Rambling Rose*, securing a BAFTA for the first. Ladd has also been nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, winning a Golden Globe for her performance in the sitcom *Alice*.


November 29, 1935: Rose Diane Ladner Born

On November 29, 1935, Rose Diane Ladner, later known as Diane Ladd, was born. She would become an American actress with a career spanning over 70 years.

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1953: Cast in Tobacco Road

In 1953, while living in New Orleans, Diane Ladd was cast in a production of the Jack Kirkland play "Tobacco Road". This marked an early step in her acting career.

1960: Marriage to Bruce Dern

In 1960, Diane Ladd married actor Bruce Dern, with whom she had two daughters.

1968: Broadway Debut in Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights

In 1968, Diane Ladd made her Broadway debut in "Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights".

1969: Divorce from Bruce Dern

In 1969, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern divorced.

1969: Marriage to William A. Shea Jr.

In 1969, Diane Ladd married William A. Shea Jr.

1971: Joined The Secret Storm

In 1971, Diane Ladd joined the cast of the CBS soap opera "The Secret Storm", playing the role of Kitty Styles.

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1974: Film Appearance in Chinatown

In 1974, Diane Ladd appeared in the film "Chinatown".

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1974: Role in Chinatown and Academy Award Nomination

In 1974, Diane Ladd had a supporting role in Roman Polanski's film "Chinatown" and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore".

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1974: Nomination for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

In 1974, Diane Ladd received an Academy Award nomination for her role in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore". She ultimately won a BAFTA Award for the role.

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1976: Starred in A Texas Trilogy

In 1976, Diane Ladd starred in "A Texas Trilogy: Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander", for which she received a Drama Desk Award nomination.

1977: Divorce from William A. Shea Jr.

In 1977, Diane Ladd divorced William A. Shea Jr.

1980: Role in Alice

In 1980, Diane Ladd took on a role in the sitcom Alice, winning a Golden Globe award for her performance.

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1981: Role in Alice

In 1981, Diane Ladd continued her role in the sitcom Alice.

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1987: Film Appearance in Black Widow

In 1987, Diane Ladd appeared in the film "Black Widow".

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1988: Supported Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign

In 1988, Diane Ladd supported Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign.

1989: Film Appearance in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

In 1989, Diane Ladd appeared in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".

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1990: Nomination for Wild at Heart

In 1990, Diane Ladd received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film "Wild at Heart".

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1991: Nomination for Rambling Rose

In 1991, Diane Ladd received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film "Rambling Rose".

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1992: Starred in Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me

In 1992, Diane Ladd starred in the independent screwball comedy "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me", alongside her mother Mary Lanier.

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1996: Film Appearance in Ghosts of Mississippi

In 1996, Diane Ladd appeared in "Ghosts of Mississippi".

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1998: Film Appearance in Primary Colors

In 1998, Diane Ladd appeared in "Primary Colors".

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1999: Marriage to Robert Charles Hunter

In 1999, Diane Ladd married Robert Charles Hunter, who was the CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems.

2000: Film Appearance in 28 Days

In 2000, Diane Ladd appeared in "28 Days".

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2004: Role in Kingdom Hospital

In 2004, Diane Ladd played psychic Mrs. Druse in the television miniseries of Stephen King's "Kingdom Hospital".

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April 2006: Release of Spiraling Through The School of Life

In April 2006, Diane Ladd released her first book, "Spiraling Through The School of Life: A Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Discovery".

2007: Co-starred in Montana Sky

In 2007, Diane Ladd co-starred in the Lifetime Television film "Montana Sky".

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November 1, 2010: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On November 1, 2010, Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, and Bruce Dern received adjoining stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking the first time family members received such consideration.

2015: Film Appearance in Joy

In 2015, Diane Ladd appeared in "Joy".

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2018: Misdiagnosis and Recovery

In 2018, Diane Ladd was misdiagnosed with pneumonia and given six months to a year to live after inhaling "poison spray". She later made a full recovery after being transferred to another hospital.

2022: Final Film Roles in Gigi & Nate and Isle of Hope

In 2022, Diane Ladd's final two film roles were in "Gigi & Nate" and "Isle of Hope".

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November 3, 2025: Death of Diane Ladd

On November 3, 2025, Diane Ladd passed away, marking the end of her 70-year career as an actress.

2025: Death of Robert Charles Hunter

In 2025, Diane Ladd's third husband, Robert Charles Hunter, passed away three months before her own death.