Gena Rowlands, a legendary actress celebrated for her performances in films like A Woman Under the Influence and The Notebook, passed away on Wednesday at 94, surrounded by her family in Indian Wells, CA. Rowlands, who had been battling Alzheimer’s disease in recent years, was known for her deep commitment to her craft and her pioneering role in independent cinema.
Rowlands’ career spanned decades, earning her four Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and two Oscar nominations for her roles in A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria. Her work, particularly in collaboration with her late husband, director John Cassavetes, left a lasting impact on American cinema. Together, they defied industry norms, often working with limited budgets and unconventional production methods to create films that were both artistically ambitious and emotionally resonant.
One of her most memorable performances was as the elder Allie in The Notebook, a role that became all the more poignant given her later struggles with Alzheimer’s disease—a condition that had also affected her mother, actress Lady Rowlands.
Born in Cambria, Wisconsin, Rowlands began her acting career on stage, making her Broadway debut in The Seven Year Itch and later starring opposite Edward G. Robinson in Middle of the Night. Her transition to film and television was marked by a string of memorable roles, including her debut in The High Cost of Living and appearances in the Western series Laramie and the detective series Johnny Staccato.
Gena Rowlands is survived by her husband, Robert, and her children Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe Cassavetes.
