Gena Rowlands, the Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in "A Woman Under the Influence" and "The Notebook," has passed away at the age of 94.

Gena Rowlands, the celebrated actress renowned for her roles in "A Woman Under the Influence," "Gloria," and "The Notebook," has passed away at 94.

In June 2024, her son, director Nick Cassavetes, disclosed that Rowlands had been living with Alzheimer's disease for five years. The Associated Press confirmed her death.

Rowlands, a four-time Emmy winner and two-time Golden Globe recipient, also received an Honorary Academy Award. Her illustrious career spanned nearly seven decades across theater, film, and television. She is particularly remembered for her collaborations with her late husband, actor and director John Cassavetes, earning Academy Award nominations for her performances in his films "A Woman Under the Influence" and "Gloria."

Born Virginia Cathryn Rowlands on June 19, 1930, in Cambria, Wisconsin, she studied drama in New York City and began her career in repertory theater. Her Broadway debut came in 1953 with "The Seven Year Itch," and she soon starred in Paddy Chayefsky's stage adaptation of "Middle of the Night."

Rowlands met John Cassavetes at the American Academy for Dramatic Arts, marrying him in 1954. Over the next six years, she appeared in various television series, including "Johnny Staccato," and made her film debut in 1958's "The High Cost of Living." She starred in her first Cassavetes-directed film, "A Child Is Waiting," in 1963, leading to a fruitful collaboration on nine films, including the influential 1968 drama "Faces."

Her role in the 1974 film "A Woman Under the Influence" was one of her most acclaimed performances, earning her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. She received a second Oscar nod for her role in the 1980 crime thriller "Gloria."

The couple's last film together was the 1984 drama "Love Streams." After Cassavetes' death in 1989, Rowlands continued to earn acclaim, including for her role in Woody Allen's "Another Woman" and for portraying Betty Ford in the 1987 TV movie "The Betty Ford Story," which won her a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

Rowlands remained active in film and television into the 1990s and 2000s, with notable roles in "Hope Floats" and "Playing by Heart." Her portrayal of the elderly version of Rachel McAdams' character in the 2004 romantic drama "The Notebook," directed by Nick Cassavetes, introduced her to a new generation of fans.

Her final acting role was in the 2014 comedy-drama "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," a year before she received an Honorary Academy Award. Rowlands was also recognized with numerous other awards throughout her career.

She is survived by her three children: Nick Cassavetes and daughters Alexandra and Zoe, both of whom are actors and directors.