Laura Elizabeth Dern (born February 10, 1967) is an American actress. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a BAFTA Award, and five Golden Globe Awards.
Dern was born in Los Angeles, California, to actors Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern. She began her acting career as a child, appearing in several films directed by her mother. Her breakthrough role came in 1985 when she starred in the film Mask, for which she received her first Golden Globe nomination.
Dern went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Blue Velvet (1986), Wild at Heart (1990), Rambling Rose (1991), Jurassic Park (1993), and October Sky (1999).
In the 2000s, Dern starred in a number of critically acclaimed films, including I Am Sam (2001), We Don't Live Here Anymore (2004), and Inland Empire (2006).
In recent years, Dern has starred in a number of successful television shows, including Big Love (2006–2011), Enlightened (2011–2013), and The Last of Us (2023).
Dern is a versatile actress who has starred in a wide range of films and television shows. She is known for her naturalistic acting style and her ability to portray complex characters. She is a respected actress who has been praised for her work by critics and audiences alike.