Veteran actress Gena Rowlands known for ‘The Notebook’, dies at 94

Veteran Actress Gena Rowlands, best known for her groundbreaking roles in films and as a key figure in independent cinema, has died at the age of 94. She was best known for her work in films directed by her late husband John Cassavetes, and for her role in the hit film The notebookDirected by her son Nick Cassavetes.

Representatives for her son confirmed Rowlands’ death on Wednesday. Earlier this year, Nick Cassavetes revealed that his mother had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. TMZ reported that she died at her home in Indian Wells, California.

Working outside the traditional studio system, Rowlands and her husband John Cassavetes produced unforgettable films that portrayed the lives of ordinary people. Their notable works include: woman under the influence of drugs, Gloriaand Faces.

Over the course of a career spanning four decades, Rowlands appeared in ten films directed by Cassavetes, such as Mini and Moskovich (1971), opening night (1977), and Love Streams (1984). Her performance earned her two Academy Award nominations: one for her role in woman under the influence of drugs (1974) and another for Gloria (1980) About a woman who helps a young boy escape from the mob.

“He had a special interest in women and their problems in society, how they were treated and how they solved and overcame what they needed to do, so all his films have some interesting women in them, and you don’t need a lot,” she told The Associated Press in a 2015 interview.

In addition to her Academy Award nominations, Rowlands has received three Primetime Emmy Awards, one Daytime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. She was honored with an Honorary Academy Award in 2015 for her contributions to Hollywood.

A new generation of fans have come to know Rowlands through her role in The notebookA film about a woman with memory loss who remembers a profound love story, played by Rachel McAdams as a young woman. Rowlands also appeared in her son’s 1996 film, Unlinking stars.

In her later years, Rowlands appeared in films such as skeleton key and TV series monkHer last film role was in Six dance lessons in six weeks (2014), where she played a retired woman who meets her dance instructor.

Rowlands performance in woman under the influence of drugs One of her notable roles was as a housewife struggling with personal problems. Gloria (1980), she played a former showgirl who protects a young boy from gangsters, and received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for both roles.

She met John Cassavetes at the American School of Dramatic Arts and they married shortly after. Cassavetes later used his earnings from television work to finance his first film, ShadowsIt has been praised for its realistic portrayal of life.

Gena Rowlands first gained fame through live television drama and off-Broadway performances before her big break in Paddy Chayefsky’s play midnightwhich led to a contract with MGM. Although she had to leave MGM for family reasons, Rowlands continued to work in both film and television.

She had three children with Cassavetes: Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe, all of whom pursued careers in the arts. After John Cassavetes’ death in 1989, Rowlands continued to act, attend film festivals, and support her late husband’s work.

“I want everyone to see his films,” she said at the 1992 San Sebastian Film Festival. “John was unique, he was the most courageous person I have ever known. He had a very specific vision of life and the character of people.”

Born Virginia Catherine Rowlands in 1930 in Cambria, Wisconsin, she grew up with a love of acting, encouraged by her mother. Rowlands dropped out of the University of Wisconsin to pursue her acting dreams in New York, where she gained experience in television drama.

After leaving her contract with MGM, Rowlands chose her roles selectively, appearing in television shows such as Alfred Hitchcock presents and Bonanzaand enjoyed roles alongside stars such as Bette Davis. Her extensive film career has included roles in The brave are alone, spiral roadand daylight.

Rowlands commented in 1992 that her roles remained in her memory.

“Sometimes, on those sleepless nights when I don’t have time to think about everything, I examine different possibilities for different characters and what they might be doing now,” she said.