Acting Legend Gena Rowlands, Star of “The Notebook,” Dies at 94

Gena Rowlands, a luminary in the world of acting and a significant figure in independent cinema through her collaborations with her husband, director John Cassavetes, as well as her role in her son’s tear-jerker “The Notebook,” has passed away at the age of 94. Her death was confirmed to CBS News by a representative for her son, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes, who disclosed earlier this year that Rowlands had Alzheimer’s disease.

Together, Rowlands and Cassavetes carved a niche outside the traditional studio system, creating notable films like “A Woman Under the Influence,” “Gloria,” and “Faces.” Their movies offered gripping portraits of working-class lives and personal struggles, adding a timeless quality to their storytelling.

Throughout four decades, Rowlands contributed to ten films directed by Cassavetes, including “Minnie and Moskowitz” in 1971, “Opening Night” in 1977, and “Love Streams” in 1984. She received two Oscar nominations for her performances in “A Woman Under the Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980). Her work in these films showcased her ability to portray complex, emotionally nuanced characters, garnering critical acclaim.

Rowlands noted Cassavetes’ empathetic perspective on women and their societal issues. In a 2015 interview, she mentioned his keen interest in how women overcame their challenges, which was evident in his film works featuring compelling female characters.

In addition to her Oscar nominations, Rowlands won three Primetime Emmy Awards, one Daytime Emmy, and two Golden Globes. Her remarkable career in Hollywood was honored with an honorary Academy Award in 2015. Reflecting on her career, she eloquently stated, “You don’t just live one life. You live many lives.”

A modern audience might recognize Rowlands from her role in Nick Cassavetes’ blockbuster “The Notebook,” where she portrayed an elderly woman reflecting on a poignant romance amid the ravages of memory loss. Aside from this, she also appeared in her son’s “Unhook the Stars” in 1996.

Later in her career, Rowlands continued to grace both the screen and television with roles in films like “The Skeleton Key” and the series “Monk.” Her final movie appearance was in 2014’s “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” where she played a retiree forming a bond with her dance instructor.

One of her most celebrated performances was in 1974’s “A Woman Under the Influence,” in which she played a housewife struggling with her self-worth. In 1980’s “Gloria,” she took on the role of a showgirl entangled with the mob, a performance that also earned her an Oscar nomination.

Rowlands and Cassavetes met at the American School of Dramatic Arts and married four months later. Their marriage marked the beginning of a fruitful professional partnership. Cassavetes financed his first film “Shadows” in 1960 using earnings from the TV series “Johnny Staccato,” which was noted for its stark realism and critical acclaim.

Gena Rowlands, pronounced “Jenna,” honed her craft through live television drama, touring productions, and off-Broadway performances. Her breakthrough role came in Paddy Chayefsky’s play “Middle of the Night,” where she starred alongside Edward G. Robinson. Her performance in the play earned her glowing reviews and comparisons to the legendary Carole Lombard.

Despite a promising start with MGM, Rowlands prioritized her family over her career, often stepping away from the screen for extended periods. Yet, she remained a formidable presence in Hollywood through selected film roles and TV appearances, including memorable moments with icons like Bette Davis on the TV movie “Strangers.”

Rowlands’ film credits include “Lonely Are the Brave” with Kirk Douglas, “The Spiral Road” with Rock Hudson, “A Child Is Waiting” directed by Cassavetes, “Two Minute Warning” with Charlton Heston, and Paul Schrader’s “Light of Day.” She also delivered strong performances in Woody Allen’s “Another Woman” and the TV movie “An Early Frost.”

Gena Rowlands’ career continued to thrive into her later years, where she consistently took on challenging roles. Reflecting on her diverse characters, she once shared that she often thought about the lives of her characters long after portraying them.

Gena Rowlands leaves behind a rich legacy, with a career that not only spanned decades but also left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the art of acting.

Source: CBS News