Gena Rowlands has Alzheimer’s, son Nick Cassavetes reveals: ‘She’s in full dementia’

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As a film enthusiast who has followed Gena Rowlands’ remarkable career for decades, I find it both heartbreaking and profoundly moving to learn that she is now living with Alzheimer’s disease, just as she portrayed the condition so authentically in “The Notebook” twenty years ago. Her son and the film’s director, Nick Cassavetes, shared this news in a recent interview, adding an unexpected layer of depth to the powerful emotional scene between Rowlands and James Garner.

Two decades ago, when Gena Rowlands, a winner of an Oscar, acted in “The Notebook,” she portrayed the older variation of Rachel McAdams’ character, who was coping with Alzheimer’s. Currently, she personally experiences this condition.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nick Cassavetes, the 94-year-old actor’s son and director of “The Notebook,” shared that his mother, who is a productive actress and was married to John Cassavetes, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. During the conversation, they discussed the emotional scene in “The Notebook” featuring Nick’s mother.

As a movie enthusiast, I managed to convince my mom to take on the role of older Allie in our film project. We invested countless hours in discussions about Alzheimer’s disease and its accurate portrayal. For the past five years now, my mom has been living with Alzheimer’s.

“Cassavetes remarked, ‘She’s deeply into the stages of dementia.’ Reflecting on the strange coincidence, he continued, ‘Our real life has mirrored our art; we experienced it, she portrayed it, and now it’s affecting us directly.'”

In “The Notebook,” the older versions of Allie (played by Rachel McAdams) and James Garner’s Noah (previously portrayed by Ryan Gosling) look back on their long-standing love story from their past, recorded in a journal. After a brief moment of realization and a romantic dance, Allie becomes confused and pushes Noah away.

“Allie from Rowlands cautions Noah from Garner, ‘Keep your distance from me.’ What is it that you want? Why have you approached me?”

Cassavetes didn’t delve deep into his mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, but shared anecdotes about her quiet assurance in her acting abilities. He expressed to EW that he remains content with “The Notebook” having been made 20 years ago, stating simply, “I’m glad it was created.”

I’ve been deeply moved by the information I’ve come across about Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, this brain disorder is characterized by a relentless progression. It leads to the shrinking of the brain and the eventual demise of its precious cells. Sadly, Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia, a condition that gradually robs an individual of their memory, thinking abilities, behavioral patterns, and social skills. Consequently, it can significantly impact one’s ability to handle everyday tasks.

Approximately 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and above are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s disease as per Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this condition. As reported by EW, Lady Rowlands, mother of actor Rowlands, was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Gena Rowlands, who has worked in TV, movies, and theater for decades, was presented with an honorary Oscar in 2016. Prior to this achievement, the twice-nominated actress shared with The Times in 2015 that she admired “The Notebook” and its enduring theme of love.

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2024-07-18 19:57