Curious World Staff
Gena Rowlands, the iconic actress known for her fearless performances in films like “A Woman Under the Influence” and “The Notebook,” has died at the age of 94 at her home in Indian Wells, California. Her death was confirmed by her son Nick Cassavetes’ agent. In June, it was revealed that Rowlands had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Rowlands gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Mabel Longhetti in the 1974 drama “A Woman Under the Influence,” directed by her husband, John Cassavetes. This role earned her the first of two Academy Award nominations, with the second for her performance in “Gloria” (1980). Her work with Cassavetes, including films like “Faces,” “Opening Night,” and “Love Streams,” helped define American independent cinema in the 1970s and 1980s.
After Cassavetes’ death in 1989, Rowlands continued to act, notably in her son Nick’s films, including “The Notebook” (2004). She also appeared in Terence Davies’ “The Neon Bible” (1995) and her daughter Zoe’s “Broken English” (2007).
Rowlands had a successful television career as well, winning three Emmy Awards for roles in “The Betty Ford Story,” “Face of a Stranger,” and “Hysterical Blindness.” She was honored with an honorary Academy Award in 2015 for her contributions to cinema.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Rowlands studied drama in New York and married John Cassavetes in 1954. She is survived by her children Nick, Zoe, and Alexandra, several grandchildren, and her second husband, Robert Forrest.
