The Only Main Actors Still Alive From The Cast Of Chinatown
One of the most interesting supporting players in “Chinatown” is Diane Ladd, who plays Ida Sessions. Ladd plays a key part in Jake’s (Nicholson) investigation, with her role requiring her to effortlessly play someone cunning. Like Dunaway and Nicholson, Ladd was a constant presence in the ’70s, having started her career decades earlier on television. Following her appearance in “Chinatown,” Ladd continued to work, starring in classics like “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Ladd made more of a splash in the world of television, receiving three Emmy nods for her various guest appearances in programs like “Touched By An Angel.” She also had a prominent role in Jennifer Lawrence’s 2015 biopic “Joy,” and even popped up in “Young Sheldon” for a brief appearance.
What some might not know about Ladd is that she’s the mother of Laura Dern, one of the most accomplished actors working today. Dern, who has starred in films like “Little Women” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” shows no signs of stopping. Ladd and Dern notably worked together in David Lynch’s 1990 film “Wild at Heart.” The director eventually reunited the mother-daughter duo again for the creepy 2005 flick “Inland Empire.”
Stateside, “Chinatown” is streaming on Netflix and Paramount+. Once you’re done visiting the classic, dive deep into Looper’s explanation of “Chinatown’s” complicated ending.