In 2018, the world of Diane Ladd was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with pneumonia and given a grim prognosis—just six months to live. But this isn’t a story of defeat; it’s one of triumph. Diane, now 84, exclusively shared her journey with Closer, recounting how her daughter, the talented actress Laura Dern, reacted with heart-wrenching emotion. "Laura went bananas crying, saying, 'You can't die! I don't have any brothers or sisters—Mother, you're all I have!'" Diane vividly remembers. But with sheer determination, Diane defied the odds. "I proved the doctors wrong—I didn't die. I fooled them!" she exclaims with a laugh that carries decades of wisdom and grit.
Amidst the health challenges, Diane and Laura found solace and strength in each other. "Laura and I started taking long walks, talking, and even tape-recording our conversations," Diane reveals. These heartfelt exchanges, ranging from funny and wonderful to angry and deep, became the foundation of their upcoming book, Honey, Baby, Mine. Set to release a year from Mother’s Day, the book is named after a song Diane's father sang to her, a melody she later passed down to Laura. It’s a testament to their enduring bond and shared legacy.
A Career Built on Passion and Dedication
But Diane’s story doesn’t stop there. Her career continues to flourish with several exciting projects on the horizon. In the movie The Last Full Measure, now available for streaming, on DVD, and Blu-ray, Diane delivers a powerful performance as the mother of a fallen Vietnam soldier. "It's one of the best films I've ever been privileged to be a part of," she reflects. "It's the kind of film that helps you release the pain in your own life and inspires you to fight for the truth." Diane’s illustrious career includes iconic roles in films like Chinatown and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, proving her enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
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Clearly, Diane isn’t ready to slow down. "Not as long as God lets me breathe and walk," she says with determination. "I will never retire until the curtain goes down on this play." Her passion for acting is as vibrant today as it was when she first stepped onto the stage.
From Mississippi Roots to Hollywood Stardom
Born Rose Diane Ladner in Meridian, Mississippi, Diane was raised by her veterinarian father and housewife mother. Drama was in her blood from the start. "My cousin was the great writer Tennessee Williams," she shares. At just 16, Diane was performing in a play in New Orleans when she caught the eye of John Carradine. He sent her a train ticket to audition for a production of Tobacco Road in San Francisco. "It was between me and another girl, and I got it!" she recalls with pride.
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. Diane earned Oscar nominations for her roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Rambling Rose, and Wild at Heart, the latter two films she did alongside her daughter, Laura. Yet, despite her numerous accomplishments, Diane remains most proud of her daughter. "God gave her a great gift, and she worked very hard to perfect it," she says with admiration.
