Laura Elizabeth Dern (born February 10, 1967) is an American actress. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a BAFTA Award, and five Golden Globe Awards. Born to actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, Dern embarked on an acting career in the 1980s and rose to prominence for her performances in
Mask (1985) and the David Lynch films
Blue Velvet (1986) and
Wild at Heart (1990). She received her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the titular orphan in the drama film
Rambling Rose (1991), and her first Golden Globe win for her performance in the television film
Afterburn (1992). She achieved international recognition for her role as Ellie Sattler in Steven
Spielberg's adventure film
Jurassic Park ()