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Laura Dern, a staple of cinema and a powerhouse on stage, has dazzled audiences for over fifty years. This five-time Golden Globe winner began her acting journey at just six years old, making her debut alongside her mother in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Since her iconic role as Dr. Ellie Sattler in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park in 1993, she has become almost synonymous with dinosaurs, capturing the hearts of paleontology enthusiasts everywhere.
Despite her illustrious career in the spotlight, Dern has successfully kept much of her personal life under wraps, particularly her romantic relationships. From her brief romance with Billy Bob Thornton to her only marriage, Dern has maintained a level of privacy that is rare in Hollywood. Here’s a closer look at her marriage to musician Ben Harper.
Laura Dern and Ben Harper met in 2000 at one of Harper’s concerts while he was still married but separated from his wife, Joanne. Their chemistry was immediate, leading to a whirlwind romance that blossomed quickly. Harper’s divorce was finalized just a year later, and soon after, they welcomed their first child, a son named Ellery. Harper also had two children from his previous marriage, and Dern quickly formed a bond with her future stepchildren. She expressed her happiness in a 2002 interview with People, stating, “For the first time in my life, everything in my life makes sense.”
The couple had another child together in 2004 and tied the knot a year later. Unfortunately, their marital bliss was short-lived; Harper filed for divorce in 2010, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Initial reports suggested that Dern was blindsided by the filing, while other accounts claimed they had been separated for months prior.
The divorce proceedings were lengthy, stalling for two years as they sought a favorable outcome. In 2012, Dern reactivated the divorce, and they finally concluded their separation. Dern sought primary physical custody of their two children, but despite their differences, she has maintained a good relationship with her stepchildren.
During her heartfelt acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress at the 2020 Oscars for her role in Marriage Story, Dern expressed gratitude to all her children for the “love stories” they’ve given her throughout her life, highlighting her deep appreciation for family.
Since her divorce, Dern has kept her romantic life largely private. However, her absence of news doesn’t indicate a lack of love or support; she appears to be surrounded by those who care for her. Despite being single, Dern continues to find great success in her career, proving that she is thriving both personally and professionally.