Gena Rowlands, 'The Notebook' Star, Passes Away at 94

Renowned American actress Gena Rowlands, celebrated for her roles in films like "The Notebook" and "Another Woman", has died at the age of 94. Rowlands, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performances in 1974's "A Woman Under the Influence" and 1980's "Gloria", passed away at her home in Indian Wells, California.

While the cause of death has not been officially disclosed, reports indicate that Rowlands had been battling Alzheimer's disease in recent years. Her illustrious acting career, spanning decades, saw her amass a wealth of accolades, including four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Oscar nominations.

Rowlands' collaborations with her former husband, John Cassavetes, on both "A Woman Under the Influence" and "Gloria", are considered landmark achievements in independent cinema. Her powerful portrayals of complex, often troubled characters cemented her reputation as a formidable talent, capable of conveying raw emotion with authenticity.

Beyond her film work, Rowlands also made a significant impact on the stage. Her Broadway debut in "The Seven Year Itch" was followed by a notable performance in the 1956 play "Middle of the Night". In 2015, her distinguished career was recognised with an honorary Academy Award, a testament to her lasting legacy.

Reflecting on her long and fulfilling journey as an actress, Rowlands once remarked to Variety, "Working this long? I didn’t even think I’d be living this long."

Her filmography encompasses a diverse range of films, from the critically acclaimed "Faces" and "Opening Night" to the commercially successful "Hope Floats" and "The Notebook". The latter, directed by her son Nick Cassavetes in 2004, featured Rowlands playing a character dealing with dementia, a poignant reflection of her own later life.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nick Cassavetes spoke about the challenging experience of witnessing his mother's struggle with Alzheimer's, a parallel to her role in "The Notebook". He recounted how they had spent considerable time discussing the complexities of the illness to ensure its accurate portrayal on screen. He stated, "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 continued, "She’s in full dementia. And it’s so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.”

Gena Rowlands' passing marks a profound loss for the world of film and theatre. Her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.