The Notebook Star Gena Rowlands Dies At 94 After Suffering From Dementia

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for the lives of those who have graced our screens and impacted our hearts, I must say that Gena Rowlands‘ life was nothing short of extraordinary. Her journey from a small town in Wisconsin to the bright lights of Hollywood is a testament to the power of resilience, talent, and love.


Actress Gena Rowlands, famously known for her role in The Notebook, passed away at the age of 94 due to complications from dementia, a health issue she had faced prior to her demise.

In the town of Indian Wells, California, is where she spent her life, and it was there, on August 14th, Wednesday, that she took her last breath, with her beloved ones – her husband Robert Forrest, her daughter Alexandra, and many other friends – by her side.

As per TMZ’s initial report, which was subsequently verified by Nick Cassavetes’ representative, the exact cause of her death has yet to be made public. It was later disclosed by Nick Cassavetes that his mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in June 2024.

Born in June 1930 in Cambria, Wisconsin, Rowlands began her acting career during the 1950s, when she made her Broadway debut in The Seven Year Itch. Soon after, she moved to television, including Studio One, Laramie, Johnny Staccato (featuring her late husband John Cassavetes), Bonanza, and The Virginian, among others. In 1958, she made her first film appearance in The High Cost of Loving.

In the narrative of my life, tying the knot with John Cassavetes was a transformative juncture – one that significantly influenced our personal bond and creative alliance. We embarked on a cinematic journey together, producing masterpieces like “A Child Is Waiting” (1963), “Faces” (1968), and “Minnie and Moskowitz” (1971), to name but a few. Our independent spirit distinguished us from the conventional Hollywood stars, who usually funded their own projects, but we dared to walk our unique path.

Some of Rowland’s most notable moments were dedicated to collaborative ventures, resulting in Oscar nominations for Best Actress for “Woman Under Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980). During this period, Gina referred to it as a typical phase that can be associated with married life.

1. In the 80s and beyond, films like “An Early Frost” (1985) and “The Betty Ford Story” (1987), featuring Rowlands, gained significant praise. She even received Emmy Awards for her roles in these productions. Additionally, she was awarded two more Emmys in the daytime category for her performances in “Face of a Stranger” (1992) and “Hysterical Blindness” (2003).

In the hit movie The Notebook (2004), Nick Cassavetes, her son and director, guided Gena Rowlands’ performance. Meanwhile, Zoe Cassavetes, her daughter, chose Rowlands for a role in Broken English (2007). In 2015, she received an honorary Academy Award, where she highlighted the impact her husband, John Cassavetes, had on her acting career by speaking of the numerous roles she played on stage.

In the year 1954, I found myself walking down the aisle with John Cassavetes, and for over three decades, we journeyed through life together – until his passing in 1989, following complications from cirrhosis. Our family of three, including Nick, Zoe, and Alexandra, was brought to life by our union. As I moved on to a new chapter in my life, I tied the knot once more with Robert Forrest, marking the start of another beautiful phase.

She told The Hollywood Reporter that she wasn’t anticipating such widespread popularity for The Notebook. In her opinion, its extraordinary success is due to its unique portrayal of love overcoming time’s challenges – a theme seldom seen in films these days. She commented, “I believe it was so successful because it showed that love can endure throughout one’s entire life. Such depictions are not common.”

When Nick Cassavetes disclosed that his own mother was affected by Alzheimer’s disease, he pointed out the significance of this role in “The Notebook,” as his mother portrayed a character suffering from a similar affliction in the film.

Gena Rowlands leaves behind her spouse, Robert Forrest, along with their three offspring – Nick, Zoe, and Alexandra – in addition to five grandkids.

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2024-08-15 07:22