You know what? Parenthood is no joke. It’s one of the toughest, most rewarding jobs out there. And for Laura Dern, being a mom is something she takes incredibly seriously—despite the challenges that come with juggling her career in Hollywood. In a recent conversation with Stella magazine, Laura opened up about the struggles of being a consistent parent while pursuing her passion as an actress.
Walking the Tightrope Between Work and Family
Let’s face it: being a working parent, especially in the demanding world of acting, isn’t easy. Laura, now 52, admitted that balancing her responsibilities as a single parent has been her biggest challenge. “It’s tough,” she said. “How do you show up for your kids and be their rock when you’re constantly on the go? My ex-husband is a touring musician, so he’s often miles away—sometimes even in Australia! It’s not like I can rely on him for every school pick-up or soccer game. But I’ve been lucky to have incredible women in my life—my mom and my nanny, Imelda—who’ve stepped up to help me raise my kids with tons of love and support.”
Raising Two Incredible Kids
Laura shares two beautiful children—Ellery, 18, and Jaya, 14—with her former husband, Ben Harper. The couple parted ways in 2013 after nearly a decade of marriage, but their bond as parents remains strong. Laura shared her thoughts on divorce, something she experienced firsthand as a child. “Divorce is hard. As a kid, you always hope your family stays together. When it doesn’t, it’s devastating. It breaks your heart. But through it all, I’ve made it my mission to be the best parent I can be. In fact, when Ellery was born, I took 18 months off from work to focus entirely on raising him. That time with him meant everything to me.”
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A Year Full of Success
While motherhood is her top priority, Laura hasn’t let go of her dreams in Hollywood. This year, she’s having a blast playing some of the most diverse roles of her career. From the critically acclaimed HBO series Big Little Lies to her standout performances in Little Women, Marriage Story, and the upcoming Jurassic World Dominion, Laura is showing the world just how versatile she can be. “I’m having more fun than ever before,” she told Closer Weekly at the New York Film Festival premiere of her latest film. “Directors are giving me incredible opportunities to explore new characters, and I’m absolutely loving it.”
Laura also revealed that she recently asked her agent to hold off on sending her scripts for a few months so she could focus on supporting Ellery during his final year of school. “It’s important to me that my kids know they come first,” she said. “Even if it means taking a break from work, I want to be there for them during these crucial moments.”
A Life of Balance
Though Laura’s career is thriving, she remains committed to putting her family first. Whether it’s stepping away from the spotlight to care for her children or diving headfirst into her next big role, Laura proves that it’s possible to excel in both areas. “It’s not always easy, but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything,” she said. “I’m living proof that you can be a great parent and a successful actress—just don’t expect it to be simple!”
