Reflecting on Her Life and Career

Gena Rowlands, celebrated for her iconic roles in A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and The Notebook (2004), captivated audiences not only with her remarkable talent but also with her striking beauty. Muse to her filmmaker husband, John Cassavetes, Rowlands was a Hollywood icon and inspiration, recently commemorated following her passing at the age of 94.

Known for her dedication and presence both on and off the screen, Rowlands was much more than a visual delight. Famed author Tennessee Williams once likened her to a masterpiece, saying, “You place yourself in front of as if they were paintings in a museum, or sunsets, or mountains, or lovers walking slowly away from you.”

Rowlands carved a niche for herself by taking on roles that pushed her limits, bringing depth and passion to her performances, making them believable and compelling. Audiences were drawn to her powerful presence.

From a young age, Rowlands knew she was meant to be an actress. Encouraged by her parents, who were fully supportive of her aspirations, she quickly pursued her dreams. “I think I have the only parents in the world who would not have said something against that [becoming an actress],” she once shared. “My father literally said, ‘I don’t care if you want to be an elephant trainer if it makes you happy.’”

Rowlands’s career left a significant impact on Hollywood, earning her several accolades, including an Honorary Academy Award in 2016, three Primetime Emmy awards, and two Golden Globes. Reflecting on her acting career, she said, “You don’t just live one life. You live many lives.”

She brought intensity to roles like her performance in A Woman Under the Influence, often portraying mothers, a role she cherished. “As an actress, I’ve played a lot of mothers. People ask me, ‘Don’t you get sick of it?’ And I think, Why would I get sick of it? Mothers are the most powerful people in the world.”

Rowlands’s collaboration with her husband began in 1963 when she starred in A Child is Waiting, directed by Cassavetes. He often wrote with her in mind, as evidenced by A Woman Under the Influence, crafted specifically for Rowlands. Though initially feeling unready to tackle such a challenging role, Cassavetes offered her simple yet profound advice: “You read the script. You liked it. You liked your part. You wanted to do it. Do it.”

Rowlands always cherished her husband’s fearless direction and unique view of life. “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.”

Source: Particle News, Movie Stills DB, Getty Images