Gena Rowlands, a legend of the screen whose career has spanned nearly seven decades, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The actress, who is now 94 years old, is known for her powerful performances and has received numerous accolades, including two Oscar nods and one honorary Academy Award. Her son, director and actor Nick Cassavetes, shared this deeply personal news with Entertainment Weekly while reflecting on their work together on The Notebook for its 20th anniversary.
In The Notebook, Gena Rowlands portrays the older version of Allie, the character originally played by Rachel McAdams in the younger scenes. The film, a beloved romance, dealt with themes of love and memory, and Rowlands’ character suffered from dementia. “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,” Cassavetes revealed. This revelation is particularly poignant given that Rowlands’ own mother, actress Lady Rowlands, also battled the disease.
Gena Rowlands Reflects on the Personal Challenge of Portraying Alzheimer’s in The Notebook
Rowlands had previously spoken about how her mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s influenced her decision to take on the role in The Notebook. In a 2004 interview with O magazine, she shared:
“This last one — The Notebook, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks — was particularly hard because I play a character who has Alzheimer’s. I went through that with my mother, and if Nick hadn’t directed the film, I don’t think I would have gone for it — it’s just too hard. It was a tough but wonderful movie.”
Cassavetes echoed these sentiments, recalling a bittersweet memory from their time working on the film. After showing the finished cut to studio executives, they suggested that Rowlands needed to cry more in the final scene. When Cassavetes informed his mother of the need for reshoots, she was not pleased. “She said, ‘Let me get this straight. We’re reshooting because of my performance?'” Cassavetes recounted. Despite her initial frustration, Rowlands delivered an emotionally powerful performance on the first take of the reshoot.
Behind the Scenes of ‘The Notebook’
The dedication and professionalism Rowlands displayed during the reshoots are a testament to her enduring talent. Cassavetes recalled:
“We go to reshoots, and now it’s one of those things where mama’s pissed and I had asked her, ‘Can you do it, mom?’ She goes, ‘I can do anything.’ True to her word, on the very first take, teardrops came flying out of her eyes when she saw [James Garner], and she burst into tears. And I was like, okay, well, we got that… It’s the one time I was in trouble on set.”
A Family Legacy of Talent
Rowlands’ diagnosis is particularly poignant as it reflects a familial struggle with Alzheimer’s, as her own mother, actress Lady Rowlands, also battled the disease. This shared history adds a layer of depth to Rowlands’ portrayal of Allie, highlighting the authenticity and emotional resonance of her performance.
A Career Spanning Seven Decades
Gena Rowlands’ illustrious career includes numerous accolades and iconic roles. From her early work in the 1950s to her standout performances in films directed by her late husband, John Cassavetes, Rowlands has consistently demonstrated her talent and dedication to her craft. Her impact on the film industry is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers alike.
Nick Cassavetes Reflects on His Mother’s Role in The Notebook
Ultimately, Cassavetes is proud of the film that he and his mother made together, noting that it “holds up pretty good” after 20 years. Reflecting on the passage of time, he said:
“It’s always a shock to hear that as much time has gone by as it has, but it makes sense. I’m just happy that it exists. It seems to have worked and I’m very proud of it.”
The news of Rowlands’ diagnosis adds a layer of poignancy to the legacy of The Notebook and the authenticity she brought to her portrayal of Allie. As fans and colleagues alike reflect on her incredible career and the impact of her performances, Rowlands’ contributions to film continue to be celebrated and cherished.
Follow Us
