Gena Rowlands, the acclaimed actress who portrayed the older version of Allie in the 2004 film “The Notebook,” has passed away at the age of 94. According to representatives for her son, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes, Rowlands died on Wednesday afternoon at her home in Indian Wells, California. The news was reported by the Associated Press.
Rowlands’ official cause of death has not been disclosed. However, Cassavetes had previously shared that his mother had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for the past five years.
Virginia Cathryn "Gena" Rowland 🌹 (1930-2024) pic.twitter.com/yX1Kq7x7F3
— Centro Arte Alameda (@CineArteAlameda) August 15, 2024
This revelation came during an interview marking the 20th anniversary of “The Notebook,” where Cassavetes discussed the authenticity they sought in portraying Allie’s battle with dementia in the film. “It’s so surreal,” he said, “We talked about it, she acted it, and now it’s something we’ve lived through.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Gena Rowlands earned four Emmy Awards and was nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her roles in “A Woman Under the Influence” and “Gloria.” She also won two Golden Globe Awards, adding to her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented and respected actresses.
