Gena Rowlands, Star of ‘The Notebook,’ Dies at Age 94

Legendary actor Gena Rowlands, who captivated audiences in her son’s poignant film “The Notebook,” passed away at the age of 94 on Wednesday following a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The news of Rowlands’ passing was confirmed by representatives for her filmmaker son, Nick Cassavetes, who had announced his mother’s diagnosis earlier this year. She died peacefully at her home in Indian Wells, California, surrounded by family and loved ones, as reported by TMZ.

Gena Rowlands was a trailblazer in the independent film sector, often collaborating with her late husband, director John Cassavetes. The couple made 10 films together, including notable works like “Minnie and Moskowitz” in 1971, “Opening Night” in 1977, and “Love Streams” in 1984.

Throughout her illustrious career, Rowlands earned two Academy Award nominations. She was recognized for her role in the 1974 drama “A Woman Under the Influence,” where she portrayed a wife and mother facing domestic struggles, and for 1980’s “Gloria,” in which she played a woman protecting a young boy from the mob.

In addition to her Oscar nominations, Rowlands won three Primetime Emmy Awards, one Daytime Emmy, and two Golden Globes. In 2015, the Academy honored her with an honorary Oscar, acknowledging her significant contributions to Hollywood.

“You know what’s wonderful about being an actress? You don’t just live one life,” Rowlands expressed during her acceptance speech at the Oscars. “You live many lives.”

Rowlands was reintroduced to a new generation of fans with her role in her son’s 2004 blockbuster, “The Notebook.” She played an elderly woman with dementia, looking back at her past romance, with Rachel McAdams portraying her character’s younger self.

Gena Rowlands’ journey began at the American School of Dramatic Arts, where she met John Cassavetes. The two married just four months after meeting, kicking off a lifetime of creative collaboration. Cassavetes’ first film, “Shadows,” released in 1960, received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of New York City’s streets and raw emotional depth.

Rowlands continued performing in live drama on and off Broadway after obtaining her degree. Her breakout role came opposite Edward G. Robinson in Paddy Chayefsky’s play “Middle of the Night,” where her performance received critical acclaim.

MGM soon offered her a contract for two films a year. Her debut film, the comedy “The High Cost of Loving,” directed and co-starring Jose Ferrer, earned her comparisons to Carole Lombard. Despite the promising start, Rowlands requested to be released from her contract to start a family.

Along with their son Nick, Rowlands and Cassavetes had two daughters, Alexandra and Zoe, both of whom also pursued acting careers. Cassavetes’ death in 1989 due to cirrhosis of the liver was a devastating blow to Rowlands, but it motivated her to return to acting after a long hiatus.

In the early 1990s, Rowlands praised her late husband, expressing her admiration for his fearless artistry. “John was one of a kind, the most totally fearless person I’ve ever known. He had a very specific view of life and the individuality of people,” she remarked at the San Sebastian Festival in 1992.

Rowlands had a prolific career in television as well, appearing in series like “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Bonanza,” “Dr. Kildare,” and “The Virginian.” She co-starred with Bette Davis in the 1979 TV movie “Strangers.” Her film credits included notable performances in “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, “Tempest” co-starring her husband and Molly Ringwald, and “Light of Day” directed by Paul Schrader.

An iconic role came in Woody Allen’s 1988 drama “Another Woman.”

Rowlands’ final film appearance was in the 2014 movie “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” where she played a retiree forming a bond with her gay dance instructor. She retired from acting after this film.

Reflecting on her career in 1992, Rowlands cherished all the characters she portrayed. “Sometimes, those white nights when I have no sleep and a lot of time to think about everything, I’ll examine different possibilities of different characters and what they might be doing now,” she shared.

Source: New York Post, TMZ