Gena Rowlands, acclaimed as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history and a pioneering force in independent film, has died at the age of 94. Her passing was confirmed by her son, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes, who disclosed in June that Rowlands had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Rowlands died on Wednesday at her home in Indian Wells, California.
Renowned for her collaboration with her late husband, director John Cassavetes, Rowlands was a formidable presence in groundbreaking films such as A Woman Under the Influence, Gloria, and Faces. Her work with Cassavetes spanned over four decades, including notable films like Minnie and Moskowitz (1971), Opening Night (1977), and Love Streams (1984).
Rowlands gained widespread recognition and accolades throughout her career. She received multiple nominations for her performances, including two Academy Award nominations for her roles in A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria. Additionally, she won three Primetime Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy, and two Golden Globes. In 2015, she was honored with an Academy Award for her contributions to Hollywood.
In a memorable acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, Rowlands reflected on her career: “You know what’s wonderful about being an actress? You don’t just live one life. You live many lives.”
A new generation of fans came to know Rowlands through her role in The Notebook, where she portrayed a woman struggling with memory loss while reminiscing about a timeless romance. Her final film appearance was in 2014’s Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, where she played a retiree who befriends her gay dance instructor.
Rowlands began her career in the 1950s in New York, gaining experience in television drama and off-Broadway productions. She met John Cassavetes at the American School of Dramatic Arts in 1954, and they married shortly after. Her breakout role came with Josh Logan’s play Middle of the Night, and she made her film debut in The High Cost of Living, earning comparisons to the iconic Carole Lombard.
In addition to Nick Cassavetes, Rowlands is survived by her daughters, Alexandra and Zoe, both of whom also pursued acting careers. After John Cassavetes’ death in 1989, Rowlands continued her acting career, taking on challenging roles in films such as Another Woman, Lonely Are the Brave, and Tempest.
Gena Rowlands’ illustrious career spanned more than six decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.
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