---
name: "Diane Ladd"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/diane-ladd"
fi1m_id: "diane-ladd"
imdb_id: "nm0002663"
tmdb_id: 6587
wikidata_id: "Q234080"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "29 November 1935"
died: "3 November 2025"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 4
average_fi1m_score: 73
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 4
updated: "2026-10-04T21:47:35.134935+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Diane Ladd

## Identity

Diane Ladd

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/diane-ladd
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** diane-ladd
- **IMDb ID:** nm0002663
- **TMDB ID:** 6587
- **Wikidata ID:** Q234080
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Ladd, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234080, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002663/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6587

Actor. Born 29 November 1935 in Meridian, Mississippi, USA. Died 3 November 2025.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 29 November 1935, Meridian, Mississippi, USA
- **Died:** 3 November 2025
- **Active:** 1974–2011
- **Also known as:** Roses Dianes Ladner, دایان لد, Дайан Роуз Ладд
- **Frequently works with:** [Laura Dern](https://film.one/person/laura-dern.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 3 Oscar nominations
- **Average Fi1m score:** 73, as actor, over 4 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 93 (1), 1990s 58 (2), 2010s 84 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 65 across 4 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Crime 3, Thriller 3, Mystery 2, Comedy 1, Drama 1, Romance 1
- **Screen time:** 6 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $60m across 3 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Ladd, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234080, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002663/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6587

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Chinatown*](https://film.one/film/chinatown.md) (93)
- **HBO Max:** [*Enlightened*](https://film.one/tv/enlightened.md) (84)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Diane Ladd

> Diane Ladd gives supporting characters opinions strong enough to inconvenience everyone around them. We value her bluntness and conviction, especially when a film lets her play something more particular than another formidable mother.

In *Chinatown* (1974), Diane Ladd's Ida Sessions presents herself as Evelyn Mulwray. It is a small role, but a pivotal deception in Roman Polanski's detective story. Ladd makes the impersonation convincing without making the part feel more prominent than it should. She has a job to do, and does not advertise how much the plot needs her. We value that control in an actor whose more forceful performances are easier to remember.

Her breakthrough also included Flo, the tartly profane waitress in *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974). The two parts suggest why she became so useful in supporting roles: she could supply outspoken force without needing to be the centre of the story. Earthy characters and mothers became familiar territory. That casting made good use of her, though it could also narrow what a film expected her to do.

David Lynch pushed the force further in *Wild at Heart* (1990), casting her as Marietta Fortune opposite Laura Dern. We found her frightening because her vengefulness makes maternal authority feel dangerous. The size of the performance suits Lynch's lovers-on-the-run romance, even when his detours become tiresome. Ladd commits to the excess; she cannot make every excursion into oddness worth taking. Nicolas Cage and Dern's chemistry is what keeps us interested when the film gets carried away with itself.

*Rambling Rose* (1991), again with Dern, gives her a more principled maternal part as Mrs Hillyer. That performance deserves to be kept in mind alongside Marietta, rather than treating every Ladd mother as the same woman with different dialogue. Her continued work with Dern, including *Enlightened*, offers a way through a career too easily reduced to a few loud supporting turns.

We would start with *Chinatown*, where the whole film rewards close attention and even a brief appearance matters. For Ladd at full volume, choose *Wild at Heart*, with patience for Lynch's digressions. If that is the only version of her we know, *Rambling Rose* is the sensible next stop.

## Biography

Diane Ladd was an American actress. She appeared in over 200 films and television productions across a career spanning more than seven decades.

Born Rose Diane Ladner on 29 November 1935 in Mississippi, she began in stage and television work before gaining notice in film. Her credits include the role of Ida Sessions in *Chinatown* (1974), Flo in *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974), Nora in *National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation* (1989), Marietta Fortune in *Wild at Heart* (1990), and Mimi in *Joy* (2015). She received three Academy Award nominations for supporting roles and won a BAFTA Award for *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore*. She was also nominated for Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.

Ladd was the mother of actress Laura Dern, with whom she appeared in several films including *Wild at Heart* and *Rambling Rose* (1991).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, apnews.com.*

## On Fi1m (4)

- *Enlightened* (2011), Fi1m 84, as Helen Jellicoe — [page](https://film.one/tv/enlightened.md)
- *A Kiss Before Dying* (1991), Fi1m 38, as Mrs. Corliss — [page](https://film.one/film/a-kiss-before-dying.md)
- *Wild at Heart* (1990), Fi1m 78, as Marietta Fortune — [page](https://film.one/film/wild-at-heart.md)
- *Chinatown* (1974), Fi1m 93, as Ida Sessions — [page](https://film.one/film/chinatown.md)

## Complete filmography (128)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Common Ground* (2023), Executive Producer
- *Isle of Hope* (2022), as Carmen
- *Gigi & Nate* (2022), as Mama Blanche
- *Charlie's Christmas Wish* (2020), as Nana
- *The Last Full Measure* (2020), as Alice Pitsenbarger
- *Christmas Lost and Found* (2018), as Grandma Frances
- *Young Sheldon* (2017), series, as Hortense
- *Chesapeake Shores* (2016), series, as Nell O'Brien
- *I Dream Too Much* (2016), as Vera
- *AmeriGeddon* (2016), as Betty
- *Sophie and the Rising Sun* (2016), as Ruth Jeffers
- *Joy* (2015), as Mimi
- *Just Before I Go* (2015), as Mamma (uncredited)
- *Ray Donovan* (2013), series, as Motel Lady
- *Deadtime Stories: Grave Secrets* (2012), as Barnsey
- *Enlightened* (2011), series, as Helen Jellicoe — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/enlightened.md)
- *American Cowslip* (2009), as Roe
- *The Monday Before Thanksgiving* (2008), as Norma Lowrey
- *Jake's Corner* (2008), as Fran
- *Mayerthorpe* (2008), as Roszko's mother
- *Nora Roberts' Montana Sky* (2007), as Bess
- *Inland Empire* (2006), as Marilyn Levens
- *When I Find the Ocean* (2006), as Edna
- *Come Early Morning* (2006), as Nana
- *The World's Fastest Indian* (2005), as Ada
- *Love, Death, Elvis & Oz: The Making of Wild at Heart* (2004), Actor
- *Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital* (2004), series, as Sally Druse
- *Kingdom Hospital* (2004), as Sally Druse
- *Gracie's Choice* (2004), as Louela Lawson
- *Cold Case* (2003), series, as Zelda Amatuzzi (2005)
- *Charlie's War* (2003), as Jobie
- *A Long Way Home* (2003), as Mother
- *Living with the Dead* (2002), as Regina Van Praagh
- *Living with the Dead* (2002), series, as Regina Van Praagh
- *Redemption of the Ghost* (2002), Actor
- *Daddy and Them* (2001), as Jewel
- *Rain* (2001), as Audrey
- *Christy: Choices of the Heart* (2001), series, Actor
- *The Law of Enclosures* (2000), as Bea
- *Strong Medicine* (2000), series, as Annabelle Lee Stowe
- *Sharing the Secret* (2000), as Nina's Mother
- *28 Days* (2000), as Bobbie Jean
- *More Than Puppy Love* (2000), as Aunt Edna
- *Can't Be Heaven* (1999), as Nona Gina
- *The Staircase* (1998), as Sister Margaret
- *Primary Colors* (1998), as Mamma Stanton
- *James Dean: Race with Destiny* (1997), as Mama Pierangeli
- *The Westing Game* (1997), as Berthe Erica Crow
- *Breach of Faith: A Family of Cops II* (1997), as Aunt Shelly
- *Ghosts of Mississippi* (1996), as Grandma Caroline Moore
- *Citizen Ruth* (1996), as Ruth's Mother (uncredited)
- *Cold Lazarus* (1996), series, as Martina Masdon
- *The Siege at Ruby Ridge* (1996), as Irma Coulter
- *The Siege at Ruby Ridge* (1996), series, as Irma Coulter
- *Raging Angels* (1995), as Sister Kate
- *Mother* (1995), as Olivia Hendrix · Co-Producer
- *Mrs. Munck* (1995), as Mrs. Munck · Director, Screenplay
- *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Carolyn Sellers
- *ER* (1994), series, as Mrs. Pooler — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Hush Little Baby* (1994), as Edie
- *Father Hood* (1993), as Rita
- *Carnosaur* (1993), as Dr. Jane Tiptree
- *The Cemetery Club* (1993), as Lucille Rubin
- *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman* (1993), series, as Charlotte Cooper
- *Spies, Inc.* (1992), as Alice
- *Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me* (1992), as Lucille
- *Forever* (1992), as Mabel Normand
- *Rambling Rose* (1991), as Mrs. Hillyer
- *Sisters* (1991), series, Actor
- *Shadow of a Doubt* (1991), as Emma Spencer Newton
- *A Kiss Before Dying* (1991), as Mrs. Corliss — Fi1m 38, [page](https://film.one/film/a-kiss-before-dying.md)
- *The Lookalike* (1990), as Mary Helen Needam
- *Wild at Heart* (1990), as Marietta Fortune — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/wild-at-heart.md)
- *Rock Hudson* (1990), as Kay
- *National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation* (1989), as Nora
- *Father Dowling Mysteries* (1989), series, Actor
- *Plain Clothes* (1988), as Jane Melway
- *Bluegrass* (1988), series, as Verna Howland
- *Celebration Family* (1987), as Mrs. Heflin
- *Black Widow* (1987), as Etta
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Celeste Bauman
- *Crime of Innocence* (1985), as Rose Hayward
- *I Married a Centerfold* (1984), as Jeanette Bryan
- *Little Red Riding Hood* (1983), as Mother
- *Something Wicked This Way Comes* (1983), as Mrs. Nightshade
- *Grace Kelly* (1983), as Margaret Kelly
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Mother
- *Desperate Lives* (1982), as Carol Cameron
- *All Night Long* (1981), as Helen Dupler
- *Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones* (1980), series, as Lynette Jones
- *Willa* (1979), as Mae
- *Thaddeus Rose and Eddie* (1978), as Carlotta
- *Black Beauty* (1978), series, as Amelia Gordon
- *The Love Boat* (1977), series, as Ruby Gibson, Bernice Bronson
- *The November Plan* (1977), as Laura Taylor
- *Battle of the Network Stars* (1976), series, Actor
- *Alice* (1976), series, as Belle Dupree
- *Embryo* (1976), as Martha Douglas
- *City of Angels* (1976), series, Actor
- *Addie and the King of Hearts* (1976), as Irene Davis
- *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974), as Flo
- *Movin' On* (1974), series, Actor
- *Chinatown* (1974), as Ida Sessions — Fi1m 93, [page](https://film.one/film/chinatown.md)
- *White Lightning* (1973), as Maggie
- *The Devil's Daughter* (1973), as Alice Shaw
- *The Steagle* (1971), as Mrs. Roberta Forbes
- *Macho Callahan* (1971), as Girl
- *Rebel Rousers* (1970), as Karen
- *The Reivers* (1969), as Phoebe
- *Then Came Bronson* (1969), series, as Valerie Faber
- *Ironside* (1967), series, as Peggy Barnard
- *Shane* (1966), series, as Amy Sloate
- *The Wild Angels* (1966), as Gaysh
- *The Big Valley* (1965), series, as Muriel Akely
- *Daniel Boone* (1964), series, as Ronda Cameron
- *The Great Adventure* (1963), series, as Annie Thompson
- *Mr. Novak* (1963), series, as Mrs. Otis
- *The Fugitive* (1963), series, as Stella — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-fugitive-1963.md)
- *40 Pounds of Trouble* (1962), as Honeymoon Bride (uncredited)
- *Murder, Inc.* (1960), as Showgirl
- *The Detectives* (1959), series, Actor
- *77 Sunset Strip* (1958), series, Actor
- *Naked City* (1958), series, as Yankee Cretias, Kathie Mills
- *Decoy* (1957), series, as Selma Richmond
- *The Walter Winchell File* (1957), series, as Lois
- *Perry Mason* (1957), series, as Miss Frances
- *Gunsmoke* (1955), series, as Elena, Lulu, Bonnie Mae Haley
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Emma Newton

## Gallery

- ![Diane Ladd at a ceremony for Olympia Dukakis to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-1956f7089dbc.jpg) Diane Ladd at a ceremony for Olympia Dukakis to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2013) — Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/DianeLaddHWOFMay2013.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Actress Diane Ladd (1975)](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-ba29fab85cae.jpg) Actress Diane Ladd (1975) — Harry Chase, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/Diane_Ladd%2C_1975.jpg/1280px-Diane_Ladd%2C_1975.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Diane Ladd](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-348b330ebc4c.jpg) Diane Ladd — Harry Chase, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Diane_Ladd%2C_1975_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Diane_Ladd%2C_1975_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Diane Ladd as Lucille in Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-0b754e6cccb8.jpg) Diane Ladd as Lucille in Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me (2013) — Tex Brook, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Diane_Ladd_Hold_Me_Thrill_Me_Kiss_Me.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Diane Ladd](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-f8355eabe3cb.jpg) Diane Ladd — Image via TMDB
- ![Diane Ladd](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-c5643a758bb3.jpg) Diane Ladd — Image via TMDB
- ![Diane Ladd](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-bbdc0fd789a9.jpg) Diane Ladd — Image via TMDB
- ![Diane Ladd as Lucille in Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-a62ac73a103b.jpg) Diane Ladd as Lucille in Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me (2013) — Tex Brook, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Diane_Ladd_as_Lucille.jpg/1280px-Diane_Ladd_as_Lucille.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Diane Ladd](https://film.one/media/person/59480/gallery-a1032c2245bb.jpg) Diane Ladd — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 3 nominated

- 1992: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Rambling Rose*
- 1991: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Wild at Heart*
- 1975: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/diane-ladd