There’s no denying that Laura Dern is having one of the biggest moments in her career right now. At 52, this powerhouse actress, known for her iconic roles in films like Blue Velvet (1986) and Jurassic Park (1993) and TV series such as Enlightened (2011-2013) and Big Little Lies (2017-2019), has not one but two standout performances that have everyone talking. Her roles in Marriage Story and Little Women have earned her critical acclaim and a boatload of attention. But there’s so much more to Laura Dern than what meets the eye. Stick around, because we’re about to dive into five fascinating facts about this Hollywood treasure that you might not know.
Let’s take a closer look at the woman behind the screen and uncover some surprising details that make Laura Dern not just a great actress, but a truly remarkable person. So, buckle up and get ready to learn something new about one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
Her First Brush With Fame: Miss Golden Globe 1982
Back in 1982, long before Laura Dern became the Hollywood legend we know today, she was crowned Miss Golden Globe. Now, you might think this was a glamorous affair, but Laura tells it like it is. “Times have changed,” she shared with reporters at the 2020 Golden Globes. “I remember how simple it seemed, with my grandma driving me up to the Hilton in her gray Toyota Corolla. I changed in the bathroom.”
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There’s something incredibly endearing about this memory. Laura wasn’t jetting off in limousines or getting glammed up in luxury suites. Instead, she was cruising in a Toyota Corolla with her grandma, changing in a bathroom. It’s a testament to her roots and the simplicity of those early days. “There was something very beautiful about knowing this [Hollywood] community at such a young age and having my grandma with me,” Laura reminisced. This moment not only marked her first step into the world of fame but also shaped her understanding of community and family in the entertainment industry.
Taking Advice From Mom and Dad: A Lesson in Patience
Growing up with veteran actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd as parents, Laura had a front-row seat to the world of acting. But their advice wasn’t always easy to follow. They urged her to vary her roles to avoid being typecast, which wasn’t always the easiest path. “I gave up financial opportunities, I was pissed off a lot, I was bummed because I wasn’t working,” Laura confessed to The New York Times.
But here’s the thing: that advice paid off in the long run. By listening to her parents and choosing roles that resonated with her, Laura found herself working with directors who inspired her. “But in the long run, I worked with the directors that moved me and I never played the same part twice in a row,” she explained. This journey wasn’t always smooth, but it was a crucial part of her growth as an actress. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the road less traveled can lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Proud to Be Part of TV History: The Ellen Moment
One of Laura’s proudest moments came in 1997 when she appeared on Ellen, a show that changed the landscape of television forever. In a groundbreaking episode, Ellen DeGeneres’ character came out as a lesbian, realizing her crush on Susan, played by Laura. “That was an incredible moment to be part of, one of the great moments of my life,” Laura revealed backstage at the 2020 Golden Globes. This wasn’t just a scene in a TV show; it was a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history. It’s a testament to Laura’s impact that she played a role in such a significant cultural shift.
Being part of this moment wasn’t just about her career; it was about making a difference. Laura’s involvement in this episode shows that she’s not just an actress, but someone who uses her platform to contribute to important conversations. It’s moments like these that remind us why she’s such a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Divorce Didn’t Define Her: Redefining Family
Life isn’t always picture-perfect, and Laura knows that better than most. After winning a 2020 Golden Globe for her role in Marriage Story and earning an Oscar nomination, Laura addressed her own experiences with divorce. “My amazing children… came from love despite an ending in a marriage,” she said at the event. Laura, mom to son Ellery, 18, and daughter Jaya, 15, split from musician Ben Harper in 2013. But instead of letting the end of her marriage define her, she chose to redefine what family means. “We are so privileged to redefine what family looks like,” she shared. This mindset is inspiring, showing that love and family can thrive even after the end of a relationship.
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Strangers Love to Call Out Her Iconic Lines
Let’s be honest: Laura Dern has delivered some of the most memorable lines in TV history. Who can forget her character Renata in Big Little Lies shouting, “I will not not be rich!”? Laura herself finds it amusing when strangers recognize her from this role. “It is amazing how diverse a group it is,” she said at the star-studded award show. Laura recounted a hilarious story about a dad in a Forever 21 store screaming the line to her, much to his teenage daughter’s embarrassment. “I loved him for it,” Laura added. These moments show that Laura doesn’t take herself too seriously and enjoys connecting with her fans in unexpected ways.
