Indian Wells, California, August 15, 2024, The Europe Today: Gena Rowlands, the celebrated actress best known for her role as the older Allie in the 2004 film The Notebook, passed away at the age of 94 on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. According to NHC, Rowlands died peacefully at her home in Indian Wells, surrounded by her loved ones.
Her husband, Robert Forrest, and daughter, Alexandra “Xan” Cassavetes, were by her side during her final moments, while her son, Nick Cassavetes, who directed The Notebook, had been a frequent visitor in her last days.
Nick Cassavetes publicly revealed his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in June while marking the 20th anniversary of The Notebook, a film that closely mirrored their real-life experiences with the disease. “I got my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she’s had Alzheimer’s,” he shared.
Rowlands’ portrayal of Allie, a woman grappling with Alzheimer’s, was deeply personal for the actress, whose own mother also suffered from the disease. This connection drove her to take on the challenging role, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
Gena Rowlands’ distinguished career spanned decades, with standout performances in A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), both directed by her late husband, John Cassavetes. Her work in these films earned her critical acclaim and two Academy Award nominations.
Rowlands retired from acting after her final film appearance in the 2014 comedy Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. She leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
