Iconic Actress Gena Rowlands, Star of The Notebook, Passes Away at 94

Gena Rowlands in 1967Photo by20th Century Fox

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Gena Rowlands, a celebrated actress renowned for her roles in films like The Notebook and A Woman Under the Influence, has passed away at the age of 94. Rowlands died peacefully on Wednesday afternoon at her home in Indian Wells, California, surrounded by her loved ones, according to reports from TMZ.

A Battle with Alzheimer's Disease

Rowlands had been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past five years, as revealed by her son, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes. Cassavetes, who directed his mother in the 2004 film The Notebook, shared that Rowlands was suffering from "full dementia" in recent months. Her portrayal of Allie Calhoun, an elderly woman grappling with dementia in The Notebook, was a role that, in hindsight, mirrored her real-life struggles.

In an interview earlier this year, Cassavetes reflected on the poignancy of his mother’s condition. "We spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and wanting to be authentic with it," he said. "And now, for the last five years, she’s had Alzheimer’s. It’s so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us."

Rowlands' connection to the disease ran deep; her own mother, Lady Rowlands, also suffered from Alzheimer's. The experience of caring for her mother profoundly influenced Rowlands’ performance in The Notebook. In a 2004 interview with O magazine, she said, "I went through that with my mother, and if Nick hadn’t directed the film, I don’t think I would have gone for it — it’s just too hard."

A Legacy on the Silver Screen

Gena Rowlands’ illustrious career spanned decades, with some of her most memorable work being the 10 films she made with her husband, legendary filmmaker John Cassavetes. Among them were A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), performances that earned her two Oscar nominations for Best Actress.

Rowlands also garnered four Emmy Awards over her career. Her final film role was in the 2014 comedy Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, where she played a retiree who befriends her gay dance instructor.

One of Rowlands' most celebrated roles was in A Woman Under the Influence, where she portrayed a vulnerable housewife grappling with her self-worth. In Gloria, she took on the role of a faded showgirl caught up in a mobster's world, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. Both performances are considered among the finest in cinematic history.

A Lasting Impact

Rowlands left an indelible mark on the film industry, her performances remembered for their emotional depth and authenticity. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.