Gena Rowlands, the legendary American actress and icon of independent cinema, passed away on August 14, 2024, at her home in Indian Wells, California, at the age of 94. Her son, director Nick Cassavetes, confirmed that she died surrounded by her family. The exact cause of death was not disclosed, but Nick had revealed in June that his mother had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years.Rowlands had a remarkable career spanning over six decades, earning critical acclaim for her powerful and nuanced performances. She was best known for her collaborations with her late husband, director John Cassavetes, with whom she worked on 10 films. Her performances in two of these films, ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ (1974) and ‘Gloria’ (1980), earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.Throughout her career, Rowlands received numerous accolades, including four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and an honorary Oscar in 2015 for her lifetime achievement. Her last film role was in ‘Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks’ (2014), alongside Cheyenne Jackson.Rowlands’ battle with Alzheimer’s disease became part of her legacy when she portrayed a woman suffering from the condition in the 2004 film ‘The Notebook’, directed by her son Nick Cassavetes. This role was particularly poignant as it was inspired by her own grandmother’s struggle with the disease.Reflecting on her career, Rowlands once said, ‘I love acting because it allows you to live 100 lives’. Her passing marks the end of an era in American independent cinema, leaving behind a rich legacy that has inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
Key points
- Gena Rowlands, legendary American actress, passed away at 94 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
- Rowlands had a career spanning six decades and was nominated for two Academy Awards.
- She was best known for her collaborations with her late husband, director John Cassavetes.
- Rowlands portrayed a woman with Alzheimer’s in ‘The Notebook’, a role inspired by her grandmother’s struggle with the disease.
