Hollywood is in mourning as beloved actress Diane Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee and one of film’s most empathetic spirits, died on Monday, November 3, at her home in Ojai, California. She was 89.

Her death comes just over three months after the loss of her husband of 26 years, Robert Charles Hunter, the former CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems. Hunter died on July 31 at age 77 during a family visit in Fort Worth, Texas. The back-to-back losses have left fans and family reflecting on a remarkable legacy built on love, talent, and resilience.

A Family’s Grief, A Daughter’s Tribute

Ladd’s daughter, acclaimed actress Laura Dern, announced the news in a heartfelt statement: “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.”

Dern, 58, was by her mother’s side in her final moments, joined by her own children, Ellery Walker and Jaya Harper. The family’s close-knit bond was well-known in Hollywood, often celebrated on red carpets and in acceptance speeches. “Some say ‘never meet your heroes’ but I say if you’re really blessed, you get them as your parents,” Dern said at the 2020 Academy Awards, honoring both Ladd and her father, Bruce Dern.

A Love Story That Endured

Diane Ladd and Robert Charles Hunter’s partnership was one of Hollywood’s quiet love stories. Married in 1999, the couple shared both a personal and professional life, co-founding Excel Entertainment the same year they wed. Hunter, whose career included a stint as CEO of PepsiCo Food Systems, made his only big-screen appearance as a detective in David Lynch’s 2006 film “Inland Empire,” starring both Ladd and Laura Dern.

Hunter’s death in July was a private heartbreak for Ladd, who posted a simple screengrab of The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage to her Instagram, letting the news speak for itself. Friends say the two were inseparable, supporting each other through the highs and lows of show business and family life.

Ladd’s marriage to Hunter was her longest; she was previously married to actor Bruce Dern (1960–1969), with whom she shared Laura, and to William A. Shea, Jr. (1969–1976).

A Career of Compassion and Courage

Diane Ladd’s career spanned more than five decades, with a filmography that reads like a love letter to American cinema. She launched her screen career in the 1970s and quickly became known for her ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary.

Her three Academy Award nominations—for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), “Wild at Heart” (1990), and “Rambling Rose” (1991)—cemented her reputation as one of Hollywood’s great character actresses. She brought humor, heartbreak, and humanity to every role, honoring women’s stories with authenticity and empathy.

Ladd’s television work was equally celebrated, earning three Emmy nominations and starring in the sitcom “Alice,” based on the 1974 film. She collaborated multiple times with the late director David Lynch, appearing in “Wild at Heart,” “Inland Empire,” and other projects.

Mother and Daughter: Beyond the Screen

The relationship between Diane Ladd and Laura Dern was more than familial—it was a creative partnership that spanned decades. The duo costarred in “Wild at Heart,” “Rambling Rose,” “Citizen Ruth,” and “Inland Empire,” as well as the HBO series “Enlightened” from 2011 to 2013.

Their bond deepened in recent years, especially after Ladd was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease. The diagnosis prompted mother and daughter to take long walks together, sparking intimate conversations that became the foundation for their 2023 book, “Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding).” The book offers a glimpse into their relationship, filled with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt moments.

Dern often joked about her mother’s initial reluctance toward her acting career. “I think the quote of my mother’s was, ‘Be a lawyer, be a doctor, be a leper missionary, but don’t be an actress!’” Dern shared in a 2018 interview, highlighting Ladd’s protective nature and deep understanding of the industry’s challenges.

A Final Curtain Call

At the time of her death, Diane Ladd had one film still in post-production: “Blue Champagne,” written and directed by Blaine Novak. The film, which also stars Jennifer Nicholson (daughter of Jack Nicholson), does not yet have a release date. It stands as a testament to Ladd’s enduring passion for her craft, even in her final years.

Her legacy lives on in the countless performances that touched audiences, the family she nurtured, and the generations of actors she inspired. “She didn’t just play women—she honored them,” a colleague once said, echoing the sentiment felt by fans and peers alike.

Hollywood Remembers

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, with friends and colleagues recalling Ladd’s warmth, wisdom, and generosity. She was known for mentoring young actors, advocating for women’s rights in Hollywood, and championing the power of storytelling.

Her collaborations with Laura Dern remain some of the most celebrated mother-daughter moments in film history, from their Oscar-nominated turns in “Rambling Rose” to their shared scenes in “Enlightened.” Their partnership was a reminder that art can bridge generations and deepen family bonds.

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

Diane Ladd’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, but she faced every challenge with grace and courage. The loss of her husband Robert Charles Hunter, followed so closely by her own passing, is a poignant reminder of the fragility and beauty of life.

As Laura Dern and her family navigate this season of grief, they do so surrounded by the memories and lessons Ladd left behind. Her story is one of love—love for her craft, her family, and the audiences who cherished her work.

Conclusion: Flying with Angels

In her final moments, Diane Ladd was surrounded by those she loved most. Her daughter’s tribute speaks for millions: “She is flying with her angels now.” As Hollywood says goodbye, fans are invited to celebrate the enduring magic of Diane Ladd—a woman who made the ordinary extraordinary and whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.