Beloved actress Gena Rowlands, who captured our hearts in the film “The Notebook,” has passed away at the age of 94.
Surrounded by her family, Rowlands left this world peacefully at her residence in Indian Wells, California. While the exact cause of her passing remains undisclosed, it is known that she had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for some time.
Rowlands’ portrayal of Allie in “The Notebook” remains one of her most cherished roles. In this memorable film, she portrayed the elder Allie, who was also facing Alzheimer’s, while the younger Allie was played by Rachel McAdams.
Her son, Nick Cassavetes, is a talented director who had the opportunity to direct “The Notebook.”
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cassavetes reminisced about the movie’s enduring impact as its 20th anniversary approached.
The plot of this timeless romantic drama unfolds as an older gentleman named Duke shares nostalgic stories from his notebook with a fellow nursing home resident, Allie, portrayed by Rowlands. The tale takes the audience back to the 1940s, narrating the beautiful summer romance between young Noah and Allie.
“I cast my mom in the role of older Allie, and we spent countless hours discussing Alzheimer’s to portray it genuinely,” Cassavetes shared. He also revealed the poignant irony, noting how Rowlands developed Alzheimer’s after filming. “She now experiences full dementia. It’s surreal—we lived through it, she performed it, and now we’re facing it in reality.”
Despite these challenges, Cassavetes takes comfort in the legacy they created together. Reflecting on the film’s impact, he expressed, “It’s remarkable how well the film has held up over two decades. Each time I hear the years that have passed, it astonishes me, but I’m grateful it exists. It resonates with audiences and makes me exceptionally proud.”
Throughout her career, Rowlands delivered outstanding performances, one of which was in the 1974 film “A Woman Under the Influence.” Directed by her husband, John Cassavetes, Rowlands depicted Mabel Longhetti, a housewife grappling with mental illness. This role garnered her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama and an Academy Award nomination.
She further showcased her versatility in the gripping film “Gloria” (1980), portraying a resilient ex-gangster’s companion who protects a young boy from mobsters. Her dynamic performance earned her yet another Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award.
Gena Rowlands will be deeply missed. Her remarkable talent and the warmth she brought to her roles will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in Peace.
