Son reveals Gena Rowlands' struggle with Alzheimer's: Intimate details shared
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In a revelation that has touched the hearts of fans worldwide, Gena Rowlands, the esteemed actress whose career has graced the silver screen for over seven decades, is now facing her own personal battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Her son, Nick Cassavetes, shared the poignant news with Entertainment Weekly during a reflection on the 20th anniversary of his film The Notebook (2004), where Rowlands delivered a powerful performance as a character who also suffered from the disease.
According to Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands is in 'full dementia' at 94 years old.
Her portrayal of Allie, the older version of Rachel McAdams' character, was memorable and deeply personal.
Rowlands' mother had Alzheimer's, a challenge she once discussed with O Magazine, expressing how difficult it was to take on the role.
‘This last one – The Notebook, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks–was particularly hard because I play a character with Alzheimer’s,’ Rowlands said.
‘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.’
The irony of life imitating art is not lost on Cassavetes, who recounted the time spent on set discussing Alzheimer's to ensure the film's authenticity.
Now, he and his family live the reality they once sought to depict on screen.
‘[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. She’s in full dementia. And it’s so crazy–we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.’
The film, which also starred Ryan Gosling, has left a lasting legacy, including a Broadway musical adaptation featuring Tony-nominated actress Maryann Plunkett in Rowlands' role.
But Rowlands' legacy stands out. She is renowned for her dynamic and fearless performances, especially in collaborations with her late husband, actor-director John Cassavetes.
Her work earned her two Best Actress Academy Award nominations for A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), three Emmy awards, and an honorary Oscar in 2015 for her lifetime achievements.
Rowlands' filmography is versatile, with credits including Faces (1968), Opening Night (1977), Another Woman (1988), and Night on Earth (1991).
Her final on-screen appearance was in the comedy-drama Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (2014) alongside Cheyenne Jackson, after which she retired from acting in 2015.
In related Alzheimer's news, new drugs offer hope by potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients.
Clinical trials have demonstrated a 25-33 per cent improvement over 18 months. Explore more about this breakthrough here.
What is your favourite movie that Gena Rowlands starred in? Do you have a memory of watching her performances? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Her son, Nick Cassavetes, shared the poignant news with Entertainment Weekly during a reflection on the 20th anniversary of his film The Notebook (2004), where Rowlands delivered a powerful performance as a character who also suffered from the disease.
According to Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands is in 'full dementia' at 94 years old.
Her portrayal of Allie, the older version of Rachel McAdams' character, was memorable and deeply personal.
Rowlands' mother had Alzheimer's, a challenge she once discussed with O Magazine, expressing how difficult it was to take on the role.
Gena Rowlands was confirmed to have Alzheimer's disease by her son. Credit: Shutterstock
‘This last one – The Notebook, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks–was particularly hard because I play a character with Alzheimer’s,’ Rowlands said.
‘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.’
The irony of life imitating art is not lost on Cassavetes, who recounted the time spent on set discussing Alzheimer's to ensure the film's authenticity.
Now, he and his family live the reality they once sought to depict on screen.
‘[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. She’s in full dementia. And it’s so crazy–we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.’
The film, which also starred Ryan Gosling, has left a lasting legacy, including a Broadway musical adaptation featuring Tony-nominated actress Maryann Plunkett in Rowlands' role.
But Rowlands' legacy stands out. She is renowned for her dynamic and fearless performances, especially in collaborations with her late husband, actor-director John Cassavetes.
Her work earned her two Best Actress Academy Award nominations for A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), three Emmy awards, and an honorary Oscar in 2015 for her lifetime achievements.
Rowlands' filmography is versatile, with credits including Faces (1968), Opening Night (1977), Another Woman (1988), and Night on Earth (1991).
Her final on-screen appearance was in the comedy-drama Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (2014) alongside Cheyenne Jackson, after which she retired from acting in 2015.
In related Alzheimer's news, new drugs offer hope by potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients.
Clinical trials have demonstrated a 25-33 per cent improvement over 18 months. Explore more about this breakthrough here.
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