Gena Rowlands, the legendary actress renowned for her roles in “A Woman Under the Influence,” “Gloria,” and “The Notebook,” has passed away at the age of 94. Her son, Nick Cassavetes, revealed earlier in 2024 that she had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for the past five years. Rowlands’ passing was confirmed by The Associated Press.
A towering figure in film and television, Rowlands’ career spanned nearly seven decades. She was a four-time Emmy winner, two-time Golden Globe recipient, and earned an Honorary Academy Award. Rowlands was best known for her collaborations with her late husband, John Cassavetes, notably earning two Academy Award nominations for her performances in “A Woman Under the Influence” and “Gloria.”
Born in Wisconsin in 1930, Rowlands studied drama in New York and began her career in theater, making her Broadway debut in 1953. She met John Cassavetes while studying at the American Academy for Dramatic Arts, marrying him in 1954. Together, they produced several iconic films, starting with “A Child Is Waiting” in 1963.
One of Rowlands’ most memorable roles was in “A Woman Under the Influence,” a film that Cassavetes wrote and directed specifically for her, despite financial challenges. This role earned her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination. She continued to shine in roles like the 1980 crime thriller “Gloria,” further cementing her legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses.
