There’s something truly special about having a family legacy in the same field you're passionate about. For Laura Dern, daughter of the legendary actor Bruce Dern, she didn’t just inherit his genes—she inherited a treasure trove of wisdom. Bruce, a man who's been around the block in Hollywood, gave Laura some priceless advice when she first stepped into the world of acting. And boy, did it pay off.
A Father’s Guidance in Show Business
When Laura Dern first dipped her toes into the acting waters, she naturally turned to her dad for advice. Bruce Dern, now 83 years old, didn’t hesitate to share his hard-earned insights. At a special screening of Peanut Butter Falcon on August 1, 2019, Bruce opened up exclusively to Closer Weekly about the conversation he had with his daughter.
“Well, when she first started, she asked me what the drill was, and I said, ‘Well, the drill is very simple,’” Bruce recounted. “The greatest intimidator of actors isn’t just the cameras—it’s the people behind them.” He was referring to directors and the pressure that comes with working under their watchful eyes. But Bruce wasn’t about to let that fear hold Laura back.
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Learning the Dance of Confidence
“So you’ve got to learn how to dance,” Bruce continued. “You’ve got to learn how to move gracefully around all that pressure—not taking it personally. It’s not personal, honey.” Bruce emphasized that Laura shouldn’t worry too much about how others perceive her performance. “Just get your work done, and don’t stress about the number of takes. Forget all that noise,” he advised.
This might sound simple, but it’s profound advice for any actor starting out. The industry can be brutal, and learning to separate personal value from professional criticism is key to survival—and success.
Embracing Risk and Stepping Off the Edge
But Bruce didn’t stop there. He also encouraged Laura to take risks. “Go out on the edge of the cliff and take risks,” he told her. In an industry filled with talented actors, standing out means being bold. “Take roles that other girls won’t,” Bruce urged. He knew that sometimes, directors would be there to catch her if she stumbled, but other times, she’d have to rely on her own instincts and courage.
Laura took this advice to heart. Over the years, she’s chosen roles that challenge her, from her unforgettable performance in Jurassic Park to her Oscar-nominated turns in Rambling Rose and Wild. Bruce couldn’t be prouder. “She’s done good at that,” he said with a smile.
Laura’s Big Moment in ‘Big Little Lies’
One of Laura’s most daring roles came in HBO’s Big Little Lies, where she played Renata Klein, a character who could’ve easily been written off as one-dimensional. But Laura brought depth and nuance to Renata, especially in the unforgettable season 2 finale. Who could forget Renata’s epic baseball bat-wielding destruction of her husband Gordon’s prized Lionel train set? It was a scene that resonated with fans, reminiscent of Beyoncé’s Lemonade. The show even splurged $30,000 on that elaborate train set, proving just how committed they were to delivering that dramatic moment.
Bruce joked about Laura’s experience on the show, saying, “She told me the other day, ‘I guess I won’t ever date a guy named Lionel again.’” It’s a lighthearted moment that shows how much fun Laura had with the role, even as she delivered a powerhouse performance.
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From her early days following her dad’s advice to her current status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, Laura Dern has proven that taking risks and staying true to herself pays off. Bruce’s guidance may have set the foundation, but it’s Laura’s talent and determination that have made her shine.
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