The Notebook actress Gena Rowlands dies at 94

Gena Rowlands, renowned for her bold film performances and her creative partnership with husband John Cassavetes, passed away on October 26th at her home in Indian Wells, California. She was 94 years old. Her son, Nick Cassavetes, a film director, confirmed the news. Earlier this year, Rowlands had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Throughout her six-decade career, Rowlands established herself as a remarkably versatile actress, known for tackling complex and challenging roles. Her career breakthrough came in 1974 with the film A Woman Under the Influence, directed by John Cassavetes. In this role, she portrayed a housewife grappling with mental illness, which earned her her first Oscar nomination. Film critic Janet Maslin highlighted Rowlands’ “physical and emotional elasticity,” praising her ability to navigate her character’s fluctuating emotions.

Rowlands and Cassavetes collaborated on ten films, becoming key figures in defining independent cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. Their work together included films like Faces (1968) and Opening Night (1977). Her performance in Gloria (1980) earned her a second Oscar nomination. Beyond the realm of avant-garde cinema, Rowlands enjoyed success on Broadway and television, winning three Emmy Awards for her roles in TV movies such as The Betty Ford Story (1987). She was also among the first actors to address the AIDS crisis in the 1985 NBC movie An Early Frost.

Even in her later years, Rowlands remained active in the film industry, appearing in movies directed by her son Nick, including Unhook the Stars (1996) and the acclaimed 2004 drama The Notebook. In 2015, she was honored with an honorary Academy Award, a testament to a career that exceeded her own expectations for longevity. Rowlands passed away at her home in California, leaving behind three children and grandchildren.

Gena Rowlands’ legacy as one of independent cinema’s most daring performers is enduring. She took bold risks with complex characters, paving the way for future female actors. Reflecting on her career, Rowlands once said, “I just looked at the scripts and kept seeing what I’d like to do, and never worried about it.”