
The following is a comprehensive biographical report for Laura Dern, based on the most recent data as of May 16, 2026.
PROFILE DETAILS
NAME: Laura Dern
REAL NAME: Laura Elizabeth Dern
AGE: 59 years old
Gender: Female
weight: Information not publicly available
Height: 5′ 11″ (180 cm)
Birthdate: February 10, 1967
Birth Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
NET WORTH: $25 Million (Estimated 2026)
Salary: $2M – $5M per major film project; ~$1M per TV episode (Executive Producer/Star)
MAIN INCOME SOURCE: Acting and Film Production
Profession: Actress, Producer, Director
RELIGION: Information not publicly available
FAMILY: Ellery Walker Harper (Son), Jaya Harper (Daughter)
PARENTS: Bruce Dern (Father), Diane Ladd (Mother, 1935–2025)
SPOUSE: Ben Harper (m. 2005; div. 2013)
CHILDREN: 2
CAREER: 1973–Present
Nationality: American
SOCIAL PROFILES: Instagram (@lauradern), Twitter/X (@lauradern)
What is Laura Dern Net Worth and salary?
As of May 2026, Laura Dern’s net worth is estimated at $25 million. Her wealth is derived from a prolific five-decade career in film and television, supplemented by her work as a high-level producer.
Salary Breakdown:
- Television: For her role as both star and executive producer of the Apple TV+ hit Palm Royale (which entered its second successful season in 2025), Dern commands approximately $1 million per episode.
- Film: For major studio releases such as Jurassic World Dominion and the 2025 Bradley Cooper-directed Is This Thing On?, her salary is estimated between $2 million and $4 million per project.
- Production: Through her company, Jaywalker Pictures, Dern earns significant backend profits and producing fees for projects like Tiny Beautiful Things and various documentary features.
Early Life
Laura Dern was born into “Hollywood Royalty” in Los Angeles. She is the daughter of Academy Award-nominated actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. Her great-grandfather was George Dern, a former Governor of Utah and U.S. Secretary of War. Growing up on film sets, she developed a deep-seated passion for the craft, though her parents initially discouraged her from entering the industry at a young age.
Before fame
Dern’s first cinematic appearance was an uncredited role as an extra in her mother’s film White Lightning (1973). At age 13, she sought legal emancipation to pursue acting full-time without the restrictions of child labor laws, allowing her to work the long hours required for her breakout roles in Foxes (1980) and Mask (1985).
Awards
Laura Dern is one of the most decorated actresses of her generation. Her accolades include:
- Academy Award: Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story (2020).
- Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Supporting Actress for Big Little Lies (2017).
- Golden Globe Awards: Five wins, including for Afterburn (1992), Recount (2008), Enlightened (2012), Big Little Lies (2018), and Marriage Story (2020).
- BAFTA & SAG Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story.
- Hollywood Legacy Award: Honored alongside her parents in 2024 for their collective contribution to cinema.
Personal Life and Relationships
Dern was married to musician Ben Harper from 2005 to 2013. Following their divorce, she has been linked to several high-profile figures. As of early 2026, reports indicate she remains in a long-term, supportive relationship with former NBA star Baron Davis, whom she has been dating intermittently since 2017. She has also had past high-profile relationships with Kyle MacLachlan, Jeff Goldblum, and Billy Bob Thornton.
Family life
Dern is a devoted mother to her two children, Ellery and Jaya. She maintained an exceptionally close bond with her mother, Diane Ladd, with whom she co-authored the 2023 memoir Honey, Baby, Mine. Following the passing of Diane Ladd in 2025, Dern has frequently spoken about the legacy of female strength in her family. She remains close with her father, Bruce Dern, often appearing with him at industry events.
Associated with
- David Lynch: Her long-time collaborator and mentor (Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Inland Empire, Twin Peaks).
- Reese Witherspoon: Close friend and producing partner (Wild, Big Little Lies, Tiny Beautiful Things).
- Bradley Cooper: Directed and starred alongside her in the 2025 film Is This Thing On?.
- Noah Baumbach: Directed her Oscar-winning performance in Marriage Story and the 2025 film Jay Kelly.
Real Estate
Dern resides primarily in a stunning, eco-conscious home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, which has been featured in architectural digests for its blend of mid-century modern design and lush, “jungle-like” landscaping. She also maintains property interests in the Santa Monica area.
Net Worth History
- 2010: $4 Million (Focus on independent cinema and Enlightened)
- 2017: $12 Million (Post-Big Little Lies and Star Wars success)
- 2020: $18 Million (Post-Oscar win and Jurassic World return)
- 2026: $25 Million (Reflecting major TV producing deals and consistent A-list film roles)
Trivia
- Height Struggles: In 2026, Dern revealed she was 5′ 11″ by age 12, which she claims caused her to lose out on nearly 150 roles early in her career.
- Miss Golden Globe: She was the youngest-ever winner of the title (now Golden Globe Ambassador) in 1982.
- Jurassic Legacy: She is the only original Jurassic Park cast member to have a species of dinosaur (fictionalized) named after her character’s research in certain expanded media.
BIOGRAPHY
Executive Summary
Laura Dern stands in 2026 as a definitive icon of American cinema, bridging the gap between the avant-garde “New Hollywood” of the 1980s and the prestige streaming era of the 2020s. Born into a family of acting legends, Dern bypassed the “nepo baby” critiques of her era through sheer versatility and a willingness to take “ugly” or eccentric roles that other leading ladies avoided.
Her career is defined by three distinct waves: her early status as a muse for David Lynch, her mid-career transition into blockbuster stardom with Jurassic Park, and her recent “Dernaissance.” This latest phase, beginning with Big Little Lies in 2017, has seen her evolve into a powerhouse producer and a symbol of sophisticated, complex womanhood on screen.
In the last year (2025–2026), Dern has dominated both the box office and critical circles. Her performance in Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On? was hailed as a career-best, while her legal drama Monsanto for Netflix and her continued leadership in Palm Royale have solidified her as one of the most bankable and respected figures in the industry. Beyond the screen, Dern is a vocal advocate for environmental causes and gender equality in Hollywood, serving on the Academy’s Board of Governors and continuing to mentor the next generation of actors. At 59, Laura Dern is not merely a veteran of the industry; she is its reigning matriarch, balancing commercial appeal with an unyielding commitment to artistic risk.




