Gena Rowland s has died at the age of 94.
The star's loved ones were reportedly with her when she died on Wednesday. In June, Gena's director son Nick Cassavetes revealed that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's , which she battled for five tears before a dementia diagnosis. Gena's diagnosis mirrored that of her iconic character as the elderly Allie in the beloved romantic drama The Notebook . TMZ reported that Nick was one of the family members who were visiting Gena at her residence in Indian Wells, California, at the time of her death.
X account 'Film Updates' acknowledged Gena's death, posting a photo of her when she was younger along with a message that read, "Gena Rowlands has sadly passed away at the age of 94." Fans also flocked to social media to share their condolences following the sad announcement.
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Many were commented their condolences under the X, formerly Twitter, announcement.
"She’s was a one in a lifetime artist, your favorite actor’s favorite actor! rip Gena, you’ll be missed," one X user shared. Another admitted, "I have been her fan since the day i watched notebook... RIP." A third expressed, "A Woman Under the Influence remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft. RIP. Someone else noted, "This hurts lot [sic]...Rest in peace," an eighth commenter wrote." Meanwhile, one other person wrote on X, "Watching the notebook tonight," one fan wrote."
Although Gena Rowlands had leading roles in another notable films, such as Gloria and Hope Floats, younger generations know her most from her role as the maturer Allie in The Notebook. Actress Rachel McAdams depicted the character when she was in her youth. Gena revealed in a past interview with O Magazine that the role resonated with her because in the 2004 film she had to battle Alzheimer's, a disease that her mother also had.
"This last one was particularly hard because I play a character who has Alzheimer's," she explained. "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. It was a tough but wonderful movie." Gena's son Nick directed The Notebook.
The same month that Nick dropped the shocking details about his mother's declining health, The Notebook celebrated its 20th anniversary.
"I got my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer's and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she's had Alzheimer's," he told Entertainment Tonight in June. "She's in full dementia. Ans it's so crazy – we lived it, she acted it, and now it's on us."
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