Laura Dern’s journey in Hollywood has been remarkable. From her breakout role in “Blue Velvet” to her award-winning performances in “Big Little Lies” and “Marriage Story,” Dern has proven her versatility and talent. Her dedication to authenticity and advocacy for important causes has made her a true icon. As she looks to the future, Dern continues to set new goals, including a potential move to Paris and a desire to take on challenging roles. With her incredible talent and commitment, Laura Dern‘s legacy will continue to inspire generations.
#1. Born into Hollywood Royalty: Laura Dern’s Lineage
Laura Dern was destined for acting, being the daughter of Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern. “I find myself radically lucky because I was raised not only by people who considered themselves craftspeople at a job, but at a time pre-social-media and pre-actors-on-the-cover-of-magazines,” she told Vulture. Despite her famous parents, Dern’s upbringing was modest. “My parents didn’t make a great living, just like anyone in the arts,” she added.
#2. A Childhood Connected to the Past
Dern’s parents lost their first child before she was born. Her father recalled, “When Laura was seven years old, we were driving and she turned to me and she said, ‘I miss my sister.’ And I looked at her and I thought, What a thing to hear from a seven-year-old.” This connection to her lost sister shaped Dern’s reverence for the past.
#3. Deciding Her Destiny at Age 6
At six, Dern decided to become an actress. “My dad [Bruce Dern] was shooting Family Plot with Hitchcock, and my mom was shooting Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore with Scorsese,” she told The Guardian. Believe it or not, at the end of that summer I was, like, ‘I think I want to be an actress.'” Dern’s early role models included Barbara Stanwyck, Katharine Hepburn, Édith Piaf, and Lucille Ball.
#4. Teenage Emancipation: Laura Dern’s Path to Independence
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Dern petitioned for emancipation at 13 to pursue acting. “To be emancipated and to be able to make my own decisions as an actor afforded me the ability to work more and longer hours and play older roles,” she explained on Inside the Actor’s Studio. Her parents supported her decision.
#5. Breaking Out in “Blue Velvet”
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Dern’s breakout role was Sandy in “Blue Velvet.” She met director David Lynch over French fries and milkshakes. “It’s part of my constitution and I think David really likes that,” she recalled. Dern had to drop out of UCLA to take the part, as the school didn’t approve of the script.
#6. Carefully Choosing Early Roles
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Dern chose her early roles carefully, avoiding teen exploitation films. “I’m getting quite a few offers, but many of them are teen exploitation films, which I don’t want to do,” she told The New York Times in 1986. She sought roles that allowed her to play bright, diverse characters.
#7. “Jurassic Park” and Global Fame
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In 1993, Dern starred in “Jurassic Park,” which became a box office hit. “I had forgotten what a pioneered film it was — it was so cutting edge and there had been nothing like it,” she told The Washington Post. The film’s success solidified Dern’s status as a household name.
#8. Supporting Ellen DeGeneres’ Coming Out
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In 1997, Dern played Susan in Ellen DeGeneres‘ coming-out episode. Despite facing backlash, Dern doesn’t regret it. “If empathy and compassion are all we’re really here for, then I couldn’t ask for a greater gift than the experience of what it meant for Ellen to come out,” she told People magazine.
#9. High-Profile Romances and Marriage to Ben Harper
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Dern had high-profile relationships with Kyle MacLachlan, Jeff Goldblum, and Billy Bob Thornton before marrying musician Ben Harper in 2005. They had two children together but divorced in 2013.
#10. Navigating Single Parenthood
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After her divorce, Dern became the primary guardian of her children. “On good days, I am kind enough to remember that there are growing pains, and it is all overwhelming and not easy or always fun,” she told Boston Common. Despite the challenges, Dern is committed to being a great parent.
#11. Embracing the #MeToo Movement
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Dern welcomed the #MeToo movement, having experienced inappropriate behavior in Hollywood. I remember every compromised situation,” she told Vanity Fair. “I was a child, and adults took advantage of me or tried, and I justified the behavior as me misunderstanding it.”
#12. Award-Winning Role in “Big Little Lies”
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Dern won a Golden Globe for her role as Renata Klein in “Big Little Lies.” She prepared by meeting with women leaders. “Renata is fierce and complicated and a nightmare, and also just wants a girlfriend and deserves to be seen because she’s lived in a man’s world her whole life,” she told The Guardian.
#13. First Academy Award Win for “Marriage Story”
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Dern won her first Academy Award for her role in “Marriage Story.” She played the ruthless divorce attorney Nora Fanshaw. “I think she’s the first character I’ve played who doesn’t come from deep insecurity,” she told AnOther. Dern’s win was part of what some called “the Dernaissance.”
#14. Future Goals: Paris and Beyond
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Dern still has goals for the future, including moving to Paris. “My kids know I want to move to Paris,” she told The Guardian. She also hopes to play her next great role. “As an actor, I’m waiting to be challenged to the depths again, to throw myself into the deep end,” she told Vanity Fair.
