Gena Rowlands, the revered actress whose work in both film and television has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 94. Known for her portrayal of older Allie in the 2004 film The Notebook and her pivotal roles in her former husband John Cassavetes’ groundbreaking films, Rowlands was celebrated for her powerful and deeply emotional performances.
Rowlands gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in The Notebook, directed by her son, Nick Cassavetes. Her nuanced performance as the older version of Rachel McAdams’ character, Allie, opposite James Garner, was both poignant and memorable. Tragically, Rowlands herself had been battling Alzheimer’s in her final years, a diagnosis her son revealed two months before her passing.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nick Cassavetes reflected on his mother’s diagnosis and the bittersweet connection to her role in The Notebook. “We spent a lot of time discussing Alzheimer’s and wanted to portray it authentically. Now, for the last five years, she’s had Alzheimer’s. It’s a surreal situation — she acted it, and now we’re living it,” he shared.
Rowlands’ illustrious career spanned decades, earning her numerous accolades, including an honorary Oscar and multiple Emmy Awards. Her work with John Cassavetes, in films such as A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, earned her two Best Actress nominations at the Academy Awards. The couple collaborated on ten films, with Rowlands’ performances defining many of Cassavetes’ works, praised for their raw emotional intensity and complexity.
Rowlands also made her mark on television, where she received four Primetime Emmy Awards for roles in productions such as The Betty Ford Story, Face of a Stranger, and Hysterical Blindness. Additionally, she won a Daytime Emmy for The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie. Her television work demonstrated her versatility and commitment to her craft, further cementing her legacy in the entertainment industry.
Survived by her husband Robert and her three children, Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe, Rowlands leaves behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of actors and filmmakers. Her contributions to both the big and small screens will be remembered as emblematic of her talent, strength, and dedication to her art.
The news of Rowlands’ passing was first reported by TMZ, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most beloved and influential figures.
