Heartbreaking Facts About Laura Dern

Trigger Warning: The following article contains mentions of sexual assault.

Since her first film as a child in the ’70s, it was evident that Laura Dern was destined for greatness. Being the daughter of movie star parents, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, numerous opportunities were available to her. Despite her mother’s wishes for a different career path, Dern pursued acting in secret, ultimately filing for emancipation. She achieved her breakout role in “Blue Velvet” by David Lynch in 1986. However, despite her Oscar-winning success, Dern’s life has been peppered with personal challenges and tragedies.

The “Jurassic Park” star has confronted the deaths of loved ones, health issues, and heartbreaks. Even before her birth, her family faced immense tragedy, and her life continued to hold complex stories and struggles.

Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, both starting their acting careers, faced a significant tragedy with the drowning of their first daughter, Diane Dern. This heartbreaking event left an unfillable void in their lives. Unfortunately, the couple couldn’t afford to move out of the house where the tragedy occurred, and eventually divorced when Laura was just two years old.

Raised by her mother and grandmother after her parents’ separation, Dern experienced a lonely childhood as her mother juggled the pressures of a single parent in Hollywood. Although hugely influenced by her mother’s love and struggle, Dern often felt the void of companionship without siblings, as her father was mostly absent during her early years.

At nine years old, Laura Dern was diagnosed with scoliosis, and the prospect of wearing a back brace loomed over her. Miraculously, within six months of treatment, her condition improved significantly, freeing her from the brace and allowing her to continue pursuing her dreams without hindrance.

The #MeToo movement in 2017 encouraged many to share their experiences of sexual harassment, including Laura Dern. She appeared on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and revealed being sexually assaulted at age 14. Her mother had to step in to help her realize that what she experienced was sexual assault, highlighting societal norms that often downplay such experiences.

Dern’s decision to leave UCLA to take on a role in David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” proved vital for her career. Despite her efforts to balance education and a promising acting opportunity, the unyielding stance of her university led her to drop out, which eventually worked out in her favor.

Laura Dern’s relationship with Billy Bob Thornton ended abruptly when he left her for Angelina Jolie, bringing another heart-wrenching chapter in her life. Thornton’s sudden marriage to Jolie while Dern was away working underscored a painful, unresolved breakup.

The betrayal by Thornton marked the beginning of a challenging decade for Dern. She spoke about the pressures and societal expectations that made her 30s particularly difficult. Balancing career longevity with personal heartbreaks added to her struggles.

The clouds seemed to clear when Laura Dern met musician Ben Harper, and the couple shared beautiful moments together before their eventual separation and divorce in 2013. Despite the split, Dern found a silver lining in her acting career, drawing inspiration from her experiences for her award-winning role in “Marriage Story.”

The emotionally taxing role in “Big Little Lies” took a toll on Dern, reflecting the weight of playing complex characters. The intense nature of her character, Renata Klein, impacted her both on and off-screen, leading to emotional exhaustion.

In 2018, Dern faced another challenging time when her mother, Diane Ladd, was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and given six months to live. This harrowing prognosis brought them closer and inspired their joint memoir, “Honey, Baby, Mine.” Through walks and deep conversations, Dern cherished the precious time spent with her mother, who defied the grim medical predictions.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of anxieties for Laura Dern, particularly with her mother’s lung condition. The uncertainty and stress of the pandemic period were significant, and Dern shared her coping mechanisms, including mindfulness and staying centered.

In June 2023, the tragic death of her “Smooth Talk” co-star Treat Williams deeply affected Laura Dern. His influence on her life and career left an indelible mark, and she paid a heartfelt tribute to him, celebrating his life and contributions to the arts.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).