Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actress

Laura Dern

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

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

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).

What it is

Laura Dern is an American actress and producer born February 10, 1967 in Los Angeles to actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. She began acting in the 1980s and built a reputation in independent films and major studio productions.

Why it matters

Dern's career spans decades with key roles in *Jurassic Park*, collaborations with director David Lynch (including *Blue Velvet* and *Twin Peaks: The Return*), and an Academy Award win for *Marriage Story*. She has also earned a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globes.

Key details

Her best-known credits include *Blue Velvet*, *Wild at Heart*, *Jurassic Park*, *Recount*, *Enlightened*, *Big Little Lies*, and *Marriage Story*. She received an Oscar nomination for *Rambling Rose* and won for *Marriage Story*.

In short

  • American actress and producer, born 1967 in Los Angeles.
  • Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Marriage Story*.
  • Known for *Jurassic Park* and David Lynch collaborations.
  • Daughter of actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd.

Quick 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.
Has Laura Dern won an Oscar?
Yes. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Marriage Story*.

Sources

  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.