Gena Rowlands, a beloved and acclaimed actress, known for her poignant roles in iconic films such as The Notebook and A Woman Under the Influence, has passed away at the age of 94.

Rowlands died peacefully on Wednesday afternoon at her home in Indian Wells, California, surrounded by her family, as KTVU reports.

Rowlands had been battling Alzheimer's disease for the last five years, a condition that her son, director Nick Cassavetes, revealed had progressed to full dementia by June of this year.

Her death marks the end of a storied career that spanned several decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of film and television.

Rowlands' Early Struggles with Alzheimer’s

Rowlands' connection with Alzheimer’s disease became tragically personal as she aged. Known for her portrayal of an older Allie Calhoun, a woman suffering from dementia in the 2004 film The Notebook, Rowlands drew from her own life experiences during filming.

She had previously shared that her own mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s significantly influenced her performance.

In a heartfelt reflection on the role, Rowlands mentioned in a 2004 interview with O magazine, “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.”

End of an Illustrious Career in Hollywood

Rowlands' career was marked by a series of powerful performances, often in collaboration with her husband, John Cassavetes, a pioneering independent filmmaker.

Together, they created ten films, with Rowlands delivering standout performances in A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria. Both roles earned her Oscar nominations, solidifying her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Beyond her Oscar-nominated work, Rowlands was recognized with four Emmy Awards, underscoring her versatility and talent across both film and television. Her final film appearance was in the 2014 comedy Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, which showcased her enduring charm and wit.

Family at Her Side in Final Moments

The actress spent her final years away from the public eye, as her battle with Alzheimer’s grew more severe. Her son provided a rare glimpse into her condition earlier this year, revealing the full extent of her dementia. “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 shared. “She’s in full dementia. And it’s so crazy -- we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.”

Rowlands' passing marks the end of an era, not just for her family but also for the fans and colleagues who admired her work. She was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed, a fitting tribute to an actress whose performances often explored the complexities of human relationships.

A Legacy of Vulnerability and Strength

Throughout her career, Rowlands was celebrated for her ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability on screen. In A Woman Under the Influence, she portrayed a lower middle-class housewife struggling with mental health, a role that resonated with audiences and critics alike. “She was totally vulnerable and giving; she had no sense of her own worth,” Rowlands once said of the character, highlighting her deep connection to the role.

Even in her later years, Rowlands continued to take on roles that showcased her range as an actress. She appeared in films such as The Skeleton Key and the television series Monk, demonstrating her continued passion for acting even as she entered her 80s.

Conclusion

Gena Rowlands’ passing at the age of 94 brings to a close a remarkable career in film and television. Known for her emotive performances and her collaborations with her husband, John Cassavetes, Rowlands leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by audiences and critics alike.

Her portrayal of characters facing profound personal challenges, such as those in The Notebook and A Woman Under the Influence, continues to resonate with viewers.

Rowlands' final years were marked by a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, a condition she portrayed with authenticity and grace.

She was surrounded by family at her home in Indian Wells, California, at the time of her death, a poignant end for an actress who touched so many lives through her work.