Gena Rowlands, the celebrated actress best known for her role as the elderly Allie, suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in The Notebook, has passed away at the age of 94 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's herself earlier this year. Starring alongside Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams and James Garner, Rowlands' role in The Notebook may have introduced her to a new generation of fans, but her legacy extends far beyond this beloved film, with a career that spanned over six decades and earned her numerous accolades.
In The Notebook (2004), based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, Rowlands played Allie Hamilton, a woman whose life is depicted through flashbacks as her husband, Noah (James Garner), recounts their love story to her in a residential care facility. Allie suffers from Alzheimer's disease, and while Noah believes that reading their story helps her remember, her moments of clarity are fleeting. The doctor tells him it is pointless, but one night after finishing their love story, Allie remembers everything perfectly and seems like her old self again. But the moment is fleeting, and Noah suddenly becomes a complete stranger to her again as she panics for help from the medical team.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Virginia Cathryn "Gena" Rowlands was born on June 19, 1930, in Madison, Wisconsin. A withdrawn child with a passion for books and make-believe, Rowlands aspired to become an actor from a young age. She left the University of Wisconsin in her junior year to pursue acting in New York City, where she quickly gained experience in live television drama in the 1950s.
Her big break came when she was cast in Paddy Chayefsky's play Middle of the Night, which earned her critical acclaim and comparisons to 1930s star Carole Lombard. Rowlands soon transitioned to film, making her debut in The High Cost of Loving (1958).
Legendary Collaboration with John Cassavetes
While The Notebook brought Rowlands widespread recognition in the 21st century, her most significant work came through her collaborations with her husband, independent filmmaker John Cassavetes. The couple met at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1954 and married just four months later. Together, they created some of the most acclaimed films of the 20th century, operating outside the Hollywood studio system.
Rowlands and Cassavetes made 10 films together over four decades, including Faces (1968), Minnie and Moskowitz (1971), and Opening Night (1977). One of her most celebrated roles was in A Woman Under the Influence (1974), where she portrayed Mabel Longhetti, a housewife struggling with mental illness. Her powerful performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her status as a cinematic powerhouse. She received another Oscar nomination for her role in Gloria (1980), where she played a former gangster's moll protecting a young boy.
Numerous Accolades and Later Career
In addition to her Oscar nominations, Rowlands won four Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes. In 2015, she was honoured with an Academy Honorary Award for her contributions to the art of acting. During her acceptance speech, she reflected on the unique privilege of being an actress, saying, "You don't just live one life. You live many lives."
Beyond her collaborations with Cassavetes, Rowlands continued to take on demanding roles throughout her career. In Woody Allen's Another Woman (1988), she played a writer forced to confront her emotions after a lifetime of emotional detachment. She also appeared in films such as Lonely Are the Brave (1962), The Spiral Road (1962), A Child Is Waiting (1963), Tempest (1982), and Light of Day (1987).
In her final film role, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (2014), Rowlands played a retiree who befriends her gay dance instructor, showcasing her ability to portray characters with depth and warmth even in her later years.
Personal Life and Legacy
Gena Rowlands married John Cassavetes in 1954, and together they had three children: Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe, all of whom pursued careers in the arts. After Cassavetes' death from cirrhosis of the liver in 1989, Rowlands continued to act and often attended film festivals to honour her husband's work.
Rowlands' death was confirmed by representatives for her son, filmmaker and director of The Notebook movie, Nick Cassavetes, who revealed his mother’s Alzheimer's diagnosis in June. She passed away on Wednesday at her home in Indian Wells, California.
Following Rowlands' death, the director reposted a series of sweet tributes to his late mother on his Instagram Stories.
The first post included a photo of Rowlands in the movie Gloria alongside the words, “This picture has graced the walls of every office I’ve ever had! An amazing strong talented woman has left us! Rest easy Gena Rowlands!”
A second post from the same fan featured a black-and-white photo of Rowlands and Cassavetes, in their movie Opening Night.
"Another great team reunited! RIP Gena Rowlands,” the shared post was captioned.
Gena Rowlands leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest actors of her generation.
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