American actress Gena Rowlands, known for her roles in The Notebook and Another Woman, has passed away at the age of 94. She was nominated for an Oscar for her performances in A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria. Rowlands died at her home in Indian Wells, California, with no cause of death given, although reports indicate she had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. After a successful acting career that included winning four Emmys, two Golden Globes, and earning two Oscar nominations, Rowlands retired from acting in 2015.
Throughout her career, Rowlands collaborated with her former husband John Cassavetes on films like A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria. She won Emmys for her performances in The Betty Ford Story, Face of a Stranger, Hysterical Blindness, and The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie. Born in Wisconsin, Rowlands began her acting career in New York, starring in the Broadway debut of The Seven Year Itch in the 1950s. She later appeared in Broadway play Middle of the Night in 1956.
In 2015, Rowlands received an honorary Academy Award in recognition of her long and successful acting career. She expressed surprise at her longevity in the industry, stating, “Working this long? I didn’t even think I’d be living this long.” In addition to The Notebook and Another Woman, Rowlands starred in films such as Faces, Opening Night, Unhook the Stars, Yellow and Broken English, Hope Floats, Tempest, The Brink’s Job, Tony Rome, and The Neon Bible.
The Notebook, directed by Rowlands’ son Nick Cassavetes in 2004, featured Rowlands in a role as a character suffering from dementia. Cassavetes recently spoke about the authenticity of his mother’s performance, given her real-life battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He revealed that Rowlands has been in full dementia for the past five years, making their collaboration on the film even more poignant and personal.
Gena Rowlands’ legacy as a talented and versatile actress lives on through her memorable performances in a variety of films and plays. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters, as seen in A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, has left a lasting impact on the film industry. Her contributions to the world of acting have been celebrated with numerous awards and accolades, cementing her as a true icon in Hollywood history. May she rest in peace, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy for future generations to admire and emulate.
