Laura Elizabeth Dern is an American actress, director, and producer acclaimed for her performances in a wide range of film and television roles. She gained early recognition with her lead role in Smooth Talk (1985) and further critical acclaim for her performances in films such as Blue Velvet (1986), Wild at Heart (1990), and I Am Sam (2001). She is also known for her role in Rambling Rose (1991), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. In addition to her film work, Dern has found success in television, notably in HBO’s Big Little Lies, for which she won an Emmy Award. She has been praised for her versatile acting range and her ability to portray complex, emotionally resonant characters.

Personal Life and Relationships

Laura Dern has had a number of high-profile relationships throughout her life. Among those she has been romantically linked to are actors Kyle MacLachlan, Jeff Goldblum, Nicolas Cage, and Treat Williams. She was also engaged to Billy Bob Thornton, but their relationship ended unexpectedly when Thornton married Angelina Jolie in 2000, reportedly without informing Dern in advance. Dern briefly commented on this event in media appearances, though she has otherwise chosen to keep many of her personal experiences private.

Marriage and Family with Ben Harper

In 2000, Laura Dern began dating musician Ben Harper. The couple married at their home in 2005 and had two children together. Dern also became stepmother to Harper's two children from a previous marriage. Their relationship attracted attention for its high-profile nature and eventual return to relative privacy in later years.