Gena Rowlands, the American actress, whose film, stage, and television career spanned nearly seven decades, died Wednesday at her home in Indian Wells, Calif. She was 94.
A four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner, she is known for her collaborations with her actor-director husband John Cassavetes in ten films, including A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), both of which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
She also won the Silver Bear for Best Actress for Opening Night (1977). She is also known for her performances in Woody Allen’s Another Woman (1988), and her son Nick Cassavetes’s film, The Notebook (2004).
In 2021, Richard Brody of The New Yorker said, “The most important and original movie actor of the past half century-plus is Gena Rowlands.” In November 2015, Rowlands received an Honorary Academy Award for her unique screen performances.
Her death was confirmed by the office of her son’s agent. In June, Nick Cassavetes, who directed his mother in “The Notebook,” shared that the three-time Emmy winner and two-time Oscar nominee had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Cassavetes and Rowlands: A Match Made in Film
Rowlands was married to John Cassavetes from April 9, 1954, until his death on February 3, 1989. They met at the American Academy at Carnegie Hall, where they were both students. They had three children, all actor-directors: Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe. Rowlands married retired businessman Robert Forrest in 2012.
John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands were a legendary couple in the world of film.
Their relationship was a complex interplay of personal and professional bonds that resulted in some of the most raw and emotionally charged cinematic works of the 20th century.
They met as acting students and married in 1954. Their love story was as passionate and tumultuous as the characters they portrayed on screen. Their collaborative work extended beyond the set, with Rowlands often serving as a muse and sounding board for Cassavetes’ directorial vision.
Together, they were at the forefront of independent filmmaking, creating films that challenged conventional Hollywood narratives.
Their work often explored raw emotions, social issues, and the complexities of human relationships. Their on-screen chemistry was electric. Films like A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria showcased their extraordinary acting abilities and their deep understanding of each other.
Their influence on cinema extends far beyond their own work. Their fearless approach to filmmaking and their commitment to authenticity have inspired countless filmmakers and actors.
While their relationship was undoubtedly complex and fraught with challenges, their enduring legacy is a testament to their profound connection, both personally and professionally.
Related: John Cassavetes: The Greek-American Pioneer of Independent Films