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Entertainment • Actress

Laura Dern

Laura Dern is an American actress and producer known for her film and television work across drama, comedy, and science fiction.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Laura Dern is an American actress and producer known for her film and television work across drama, comedy, and science fiction. She rose to prominence in the 1980s, gained international recognition for *Jurassic Park* (1993), and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Marriage Story* (2019).

Early life and family

Laura Dern was born in Los Angeles in 1967 to actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. She is from a family with established ties to the American film industry.

Career

Dern began her screen career in the 1980s and built a reputation for performances in independent films and major studio productions. Her collaborations with David Lynch and her role in *Jurassic Park* were important career milestones.

Awards and recognition

Dern has received major industry honours, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Her performances in film and television have earned recognition across several decades.

Selected screen roles

Her best-known credits include *Blue Velvet*, *Wild at Heart*, *Jurassic Park*, *Recount*, *Enlightened*, *Big Little Lies*, and *Marriage Story*. These roles span film, television, and limited series work.

Key facts

  • Began acting in the 1980s, appearing in films such as *Mask* and *Smooth Talk*.
  • Frequently collaborated with director David Lynch, including in *Blue Velvet*, *Wild at Heart*, *Inland Empire*, and *Twin Peaks: The Return*.
  • Widely known for role as Ellie Sattler in *Jurassic Park*.
  • Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Marriage Story*.
  • Daughter of actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Laura Dern?
Laura Dern is an American actress and producer known for major film and television roles, including Ellie Sattler in *Jurassic Park* and Nora Fanshaw in *Marriage Story*.
When was Laura Dern born?
She was born on February 10, 1967.
Who are Laura Dern’s parents?
Her parents are actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd.
What is Laura Dern best known for?
She is best known for *Jurassic Park*, her collaborations with David Lynch, and her Academy Award-winning performance in *Marriage Story*.
Has Laura Dern won an Oscar?
Yes. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Marriage Story*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Dern
    Supports: Biographical details, early career, major roles, and awards.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Laura-Dern
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, profession, and general career overview.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Laura-Dern
    Supports: Birth details, marriage, and award information.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000368/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and occupations.