Ladd was married to Dern from 1960 to 1969, and Laura was born in 1967. Mother and daughter appeared together in "Rambling Rose" as well as "Wild at Heart," directed by David Lynch , who with actor Mark Ruffalo did the honors during the star ceremony.

"I ask the universe that these three stars right here -- when I'm dead and gone or if I'm still alive-- that whoever comes and looks at it or stands on it, may the energy of the three of our lives permeate into their foundation and help each and every one fulfill their destiny with joy and love, as I wish for you," said Ladd, 74.

Diane Ladd , Laura Dern and Bruce Dern got a constellation's worth of stars Monday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking the first time three family members received stars side by side on Hollywood Boulevard.

Ladd's 42-year film and TV career has included roles in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and "Chinatown," and she has had three supporting actress Oscar nominations, for "Rambling Rose," "Wild at Heart" and "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." Laura Dern was Oscar-nominated for lead actress in "Rambling Rose," and starred in "Jurassic Park" and Lynch's "Blue Velvet."

Bruce Dern, 74, was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe for his supporting performance in the Oscar-winning 1978 film "Coming Home."

Laura Dern, 43, said the idea to do the three stars at once came from husband Ben Harper; the couple began divorce proceedings last month.

Ruffalo, who costarred with the fairer Dern in "We Don't Live Here Anymore," likened the ceremony to a religious experience, calling the trio "the father, the daughter and the holy spirit." (Mother and daughter were long-time devotees of "Woodstock guru" Sri Swami Satchidananda, who died in 2002.)

-- Christie D'Zurilla

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photos: Diane Ladd, top left, Laura Dern and Bruce Dern received three stars in a row on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday. It was the first time that happened, much like Ladd and Dern were the first mother-daughter team to be Oscar-nominated for roles in the same film. Below left, director David Lynch, left, and actor Mark Ruffalo flank Laura Dern as she touches her star. Credit: Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty Images

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