Diane Ladd’s cause of death still a mystery: Here’s how the actress once fought a life-threatening lung illness 6 years ago

Veteran Hollywood actress Diane Ladd, best known for her roles in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and “Chinatown,” has died at the age of 89, multiple outlets confirmed on November 3. “My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Ca,” ABC quoted her daughter, actress Laura Dern. “She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. She is flying with her angels now,” Dern added.

Also Read: Who was Diane Ladd? Veteran hollywood actress, three-time Oscar nominee, and mother of Laura Dern, dead at 89

Ladd leaves behind a six-decade legacy in film and television, remembered for her powerful performances and enduring influence on American cinema. Born Rose Diane Ladner in Laurel, Mississippi, on November 29, 1935, she trained in singing, dancing, and acting before embarking on a prolific, award-nominated career. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, though she battled a serious lung illness six years ago.

Diane Ladd’s past health issue

Although we do not know what Diane Ladd died of, her fatal lung disease might have some clues. In 2019, acclaimed actress Diane Ladd faced one of the most challenging moments of her life: a diagnosis that would forever change her relationship with her daughter, Laura Dern. As recounted in a 2023 interview with People, Ladd, then 87, was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious and often fatal lung disease.

Doctors warned that she might have only six months to live. “The doctor told us the one thing that can help her is getting her to walk to breathe deeper,” Dern recalled, describing the moment that left her feeling as if “the walls were crumbling.”

Determined not to give up, the mother-daughter duo began taking slow walks together around Santa Monica, with Ladd using oxygen support. During these walks, they opened up about their lives, their careers, their heartbreaks, and their family’s past, including Ladd’s divorce from Bruce Dern and the tragic loss of their first child.

By 2023, Ladd’s condition had improved, and the pair decided to share their journey through a deeply personal book titled Honey, Baby, Mine, capturing the heartfelt conversations that brought them closer than ever.

FAQs on Diane Ladd’s cause of death

What was Diane Ladd’s cause of death?

As of now, Diane Ladd’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. The veteran actress passed away at the age of 89, with her daughter Laura Dern confirming the news.

Did Diane Ladd have any serious health issues before her death?

Yes. In 2019, Diane Ladd was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease. Doctors had initially told her she might have only six months to live, but she later showed remarkable improvement.

How did Diane Ladd recover from her lung illness?

Following her diagnosis, Diane Ladd began taking slow daily walks with her daughter, Laura Dern, as part of her therapy. The walks helped her breathe better and ultimately improved her lung condition.