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The Oscar-nominated performer Diane Ladd, a Hollywood veteran passed away at the age of 89.

This star, whose roles spanned National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, died at her home in California’s Ojai. This announcement was revealed in a statement from her offspring, award-winning actress Laura Dern, her daughter.

Her daughter, who appeared with her mother in various films such as Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, called her “my incredible hero plus my profound gift being my mom”, noting that she was at her bedside when she passed.

“She was an exceptional daughter, mother, grandmother, star, artist as well as empathetic spirit that felt like a dream come true,” she stated. “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

Beginnings and Breakthrough

Her initial acting years featured minor parts in television programs like Perry Mason whereas the 1970s saw her starring alongside actor Jack Nicholson in the film Chinatown.

That very year, 1974, she performed alongside Ellen Burstyn in Martin Scorsese’s celebrated dramatic comedy Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Her role brought Ladd her first Oscar nomination in the supporting actress category.

1980s and Beyond

Throughout the 1980s, she was seen in the dramatic film Black Widow as well as humorous film National Lampoon’s holiday comedy and also took part in the show Alice, a sitcom inspired by the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.

During the next ten years, she earned an additional supporting actress Academy Award nomination for her performance in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart, a cult classic in which she portrayed the mother of her biological child the character played by Dern. The next year she was awarded another nomination for her role in Rambling Rose which also starred her daughter.

“This movie which Princess Diana selected as her very favorite, and she flew us to London for a royal premiere and a party for us,” Ladd shared regarding Rambling Rose. “She sat with us, taking our hands, with tears, seeing us act.”

The 1990s also saw roles in the comedy Cemetery Club, a film joining her again with Burstyn, Primary Colors, a political story, a satirical film, starring John Travolta and Alexander Payne’s Citizen Ruth, a dark comedy where she played Dern’s mother another time. Those years also brought her nominations for Emmy Awards for roles on Dr Quinn, the show Grace Under Fire and Touched by an Angel.

Collaborations with Daughter

She persisted in performing with Laura Dern in comedy drama Daddy and Them, David Lynch’s the movie Inland Empire and Mike White’s satirical show Enlightened. She was also seen next to Sandra Bullock in 28 Days, Anthony Hopkins in that movie and Jennifer Lawrence in the film Joy.

Subsequent TV appearances consisted of Ray Donovan, a drama and Young Sheldon.

Writing and Directing

She also authored and directed the comedy film the movie Mrs Munck that included Diane Ladd and previous spouse Bruce Dern. “Bruce is an excellent performer,” she said. “It was a privilege to guide him on a project. In fact, I’m the only woman ever to helm a film with her ex. I make a joke: ‘I advise females, if you want revenge, guide your former spouse.’ Though I’m just teasing.”

Personal Life

Ladd was also a family member of playwright Tennessee Williams, who she called “a significant impact in my life”.

During 2018, she received an incorrect diagnosis with a pulmonary condition and told she had just six months to live but made a full recovery after her daughter shifted her to a different hospital.

“When you use your pain and avoid letting it accumulate like a sore or something, instead use it to explore, to clarify the journey for yourself and others, then you are winning,” Ladd said.