9 Things You (Probably) Never Knew About Laura Dern

Where do you know Big Little Lies," to "Enlightened" to "Jurassic Park," this accomplished actress has been stealing scenes since the mid-eighties. Want to know more? Here are nine Laura Dern facts that will fill you in on the prolific performer.  

LA Baby

Laura Dern was born February 10, 1967, in Santa Monica, CA. 

Hollywood Royalty

Her parents are actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. They divorced when Laura was young. 

Getting Schooled

Laura studied acting at the famed Lee Strasberg Theatre. She briefly attended USC and UCLA.

Gaining Independence

Laura sued for legal emancipation from her parents and was granted it at age 16. 

Cinematic Beginnings

Laura's first major role was in 1980's "Foxes," alongside Jodie Foster. 

Linked With Lynch

Dern first worked with director David Lynch in 1986's "Blue Velvet." She continued to team up with him for more projects, including 1990's "Wild Heart" and 2006's "Inland Empire." She recently appeared in the 2017 "Twin Peaks" reboot. 

Oscar Hopeful

Dern has been nominated for two Academy Awards, once in 1992 for "Rambling Rose" and then again in 2015 for "Wild." 

Dinosaurs Eat Man... Woman Inherits the Earth

Laura's iconic role of Dr. Ellie Sattler in "Jurassic Park" could have gone to actresses Helen Hunt or Gwyneth Paltrow, who both reportedly auditioned for the part. 

'Big' Winner

Dern cleaned up at award season for her portrayal of Renata in HBO's acclaimed "Big Little Lies." She earned a Golden Globe, Emmy, and a Critic's Choice Award.