American Actress Gena Rowlands, Star of The Notebook, Dies at 94
LOS ANGELES — The legendary American actress Gena Rowlands, renowned for her iconic roles in The Notebook and Another Woman, has passed away at the age of 94.
Legacy and Accolades
Rowlands, a two-time Oscar nominee for her performances in A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), breathed her last at her residence in Indian Wells, California. The cause of death remains undisclosed, but reports suggest she had been battling Alzheimer’s.
Having retired from acting in 2015 after clinching four Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Oscar nominations, Rowlands left behind a treasure trove of cinematic brilliance. Notably, her collaborations with former husband John Cassavetes in A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria stood out as masterpieces.
Iconic Performances
Rowlands’ Emmy wins included outstanding portrayals in The Betty Ford Story, Face of a Stranger, Hysterical Blindness, and The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie. Hailing from Wisconsin, she made her mark in New York by starring in the Broadway debut of The Seven Year Itch in 1956.
Her journey in the limelight was further embellished by her role in the Broadway play Middle of the Night. In recognition of her illustrious acting career, she was honored with an honorary Academy Award in 2015.
A Lasting Impact
With an impressive filmography that includes Faces, Opening Night, Unhook the Stars, Yellow and Broken English, Hope Floats, Tempest, The Brink’s Job, Tony Rome, and The Neon Bible, Rowlands left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Her son Nick Cassavetes, who directed The Notebook in 2004, recently reflected on his mother’s portrayal of a character suffering from dementia in the film. He shared, “We lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.” Rowlands’ legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of her admirers and the annals of film history. — BBC
