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Gena Rowlands, veteran actor who brought husband John Cassavetes’ films to life, dies at 94

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Gena Rowlands, veteran actor who brought husband John Cassavetes' films to life, dies at 94

Reflecting upon Gena Rowlands’ remarkable life and career, I am deeply moved by her extraordinary journey from Wisconsin to Hollywood stardom. Born into a political family, Gena’s path was not predestined for the silver screen, yet she found her calling in the dramatic arts. Her collaboration with her husband, John Cassavetes, produced some of the most iconic films in cinematic history.

94-year-old Gena Rowlands, an acclaimed actress known for her roles in “A Woman Under the Influence,” “Gloria,” and “The Notebook” – films she made alongside her late husband John Cassavetes and their son Nick – passed away on Wednesday at her home in Indian Wells. Her death followed a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The death of Rowland was verified by Danny Greenberg’s office, who represents Nick Cassavetes at WME. At the moment, no additional information is known.

A talented actor, frequently underrated yet deserving of praise, Rowlands excelled in both film and television roles across a remarkable six-decade career. Particularly notable were the projects she undertook with her spouse, garnering Oscar nods for her exceptional performances in their collaborative works such as the 1974 drama “A Woman Under the Influence” and the 1980 crime thriller “Gloria.” Additionally, she was recognized for her roles in films directed by her son, specifically “Unhook the Stars” and “The Notebook.”

Rowland encompassed strong-willed women, glamorous personalities, and elegant matrons, interspersed with ordinary suburban housewives. She seamlessly transitioned between John Cassavetes’ improvisational approach to filmmaking and the structured environment of television broadcasting.

In accepting her honorary Oscar in 2015, Rowlands expressed that being an actress is wonderful because it allows you to experience multiple lives rather than being confined to one. Essentially, acting gives you the opportunity to step out of yourself and explore different personas throughout your career.

As she reached the later stages of her life, Rowlands struggled with Alzheimer’s and the typical symptoms of dementia. In June 2024, during the celebration of “The Notebook”‘s 20th anniversary, Nick Cassavetes publicly disclosed his mother’s health condition.

“Five years ago, he stated that she has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He further explained that her condition is severe dementia.”

Regardless of numerous acclaimed performances that spanned for quite some time, Rowlands did not reach superstardom or appear (and maybe she didn’t desire to) in a big-budget movie. Nonetheless, she was widely admired by critics and peers as one of the most talented actors of her time.

Director Arthur Allan Seidelman stated to The Times in 2014, “I truly believe she’s the most exceptional film actress across all generations. Every moment she portrays is completely sincere and stemming from a deep understanding of her characters. She possesses an impressive talent for fully immersing herself within those roles.”

Back in 1951, I crossed paths with my future husband at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Three years after that, we tied the knot, and our partnership both on and off the screen lasted for decades. Together, we created ten films and welcomed three wonderful children into our family. Sadly, my partner John Cassavetes passed away in 1989, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of cinema.

In 1996, she shared with The Times that when she first encountered John, it was unclear if he was captivated by me or the stunning red velvet dress without straps I wore. However, from that moment on, we embarked on a marvelous journey spanning 31 years, during which we had three children, built a successful partnership, and lived life according to our own desires.

For the first time in 1955, Rowlands and Cassavetes collaborated on the film “Time for Love.” In this production, Rowlands played the role of a modest girl from a small town, while Cassavetes portrayed a traveling salesman who captivates her. Additionally, in another project with Cassavetes titled “Won’t It Ever Be Morning?”, Rowlands took on the character of a jazz singer who ends up testifying in court when her loyal manager is falsely accused of murder.

As part of John Cassavetes’ casual acting troupe, featuring Peter Falk, Ben Gazzara, and Seymour Cassel, Rowlands frequently became the leading lady in his movies during an era when most female characters were typically portrayed by glamorous blonds.

They were acclaimed as kings and queens of indie cinema, working free from the restrictive and formulaic Hollywood studio system. Time after time, they mortgaged their house in Hollywood Hills to fund his movies, with the intention of maintaining their independence from Hollywood’s tight grip.

Following Cassavetes’ passing in 1989, at the age of 59, her son requested that she act in a film he was producing, titled “Unhook the Stars,” released in 1996. In this movie, she portrayed a middle-aged character who had finally escaped the responsibilities tied to her family.

She shared with The Times that her late spouse often penned exceptional roles for females, and since she was cast in those parts, she explained. As such, it’s incredibly moving and fulfilling to have a son who offers her a script and says, “Mother, let’s produce this film together.”

As I pen this reflection in 2000 for the L.A. Times Magazine, let me express that my mom was truly cool, if not ahead of her time. She was stunningly beautiful, with her slender legs, her chic Ungaro ensembles, and the oversized Jackie O sunglasses she wore. And oh, her hair! My father affectionately referred to her as ‘Golden Girl’.

Virginia Cathryn Rowlands, born on June 19, 1930, in Madison, Wisconsin, was the child of Edwin Rowlands, a state senator, and Mary Allen Neal, a housewife. Her elder brother, David Rowlands, also ventured into acting. Notably, her mother, Mary Allen Neal, pursued a stage career later in life under the name Lady Rowlands.

Prior to relocating to New York City for dramatic studies, Rowlands had already completed her education at the University of Wisconsin. It was during an audition at the American Academy at Carnegie Hall that she crossed paths with John Cassavetes.

Additionally, she gained experience working in a repertory theater and marked her Broadway premiere alongside Edward G. Robinson in the play “Middle of the Night” during 1956. Her first appearance on the silver screen was in the 1958 drama titled “The High Cost of Loving,” directed by Jose Ferrer.

Initially, Rowlands became captivated by the dramatic arts due to her love for reading. As a child with frequent illnesses, she spent much of her free time immersed in books. The lives and struggles of these fictional characters sparked an interest within her to act. It was the complex character of Mabel Longhetti, the unstable housewife from “A Woman Under the Influence,” who seemed on the verge of losing her tenuous mental balance, that particularly intrigued Rowlands and inspired her to pursue acting.

In my humble opinion, as someone who has spent countless hours immersed in cinema and its various genres, I firmly believe that “The drama” stands out as the most remarkable achievement of the Cassavetes-Rowlands collaborations. This film resonated with me deeply, not just for its gripping narrative but also for the raw emotional depth it conveyed. To see two talented individuals like Cassavetes and Rowlands working together to create such a masterpiece was truly inspiring. And to top it all off, the fact that this film garnered Oscar nominations for both of them is a testament to their exceptional artistry and dedication. This experience has only further solidified my admiration for cinema as an art form and the incredible power it holds to move us, challenge us, and inspire us.

“It was sort of a difficult role,” Rowlands said. “But I like difficult roles.”

Despite being closely linked to her work in Cassavetes films like “Faces” and “Love Streams”, she collaborated with other directors too, such as Woody Allen in “Another Woman,” and appeared in TV productions including “An Early Frost” and “The Betty Ford Story,” which earned her an Emmy. She also received Emmys for her performances in “Face of a Stranger” and “Hysterical Blindness.”

She won a Daytime Emmy for her role in “The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie.” In 2007, she appeared in “Broken English,” an independent film directed by her daughter Zoe Cassavetes.

1987’s TV movie presented Rowlands with the chance to portray the resilient First Lady Betty Ford – a role that aligned with her preference for characters deeply invested emotionally. As she shared with The Times in 1987, “I enjoy playing individuals who have a strong emotional attachment to something.”

In 2015, Rowlands was bestowed an honorary Lifetime Achievement Oscar. It was her son who handed her the award. The following year, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association recognized her with a Career Achievement Award.

Rowlands charmed a fresh group of admirers through her short role in “The Notebook,” a 2004 film adaptation of the tearjerking Nicholas Sparks romance novel, which featured Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling.

As I expressed in a 2016 Variety interview, I never anticipated the profound impact this movie would have. I believe its success was largely due to the fact that it portrayed the idea of love persisting throughout one’s entire life, a concept seldom explored in films. Typically, movies don’t offer a narrative like this one that spans from the beginning to the end, leaving open the possibility, however dreamy, that love could be everlasting.

In addition to her son, Rowlands leaves behind her second spouse, Robert Forrest, as well as daughters Alexandra and Zoe, along with numerous grandchildren. Regrettably, her brother, David Rowlands, passed away in the year 2000.

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2024-08-15 04:32

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