Gena Rowlands, renowned for her portrayal of an older Allie in the romantic film “The Notebook,” has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, her son, Nick Cassavetes, who also directed the film, disclosed in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly.
At 94, Rowlands has been battling the disease for the past five years. Cassavetes shared this personal information during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the film, noting the poignant irony in the situation. “It’s so surreal — she lived it, she portrayed it, and now she is actually living through it,” he explained.
In “The Notebook,” which debuted in 2004 and is adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, Rowlands’ character also suffers from dementia. The film features a storyline where an elderly man, portrayed by James Garner, recounts a lifelong romance to Rowlands’ character, who resides in a nursing home and struggles with memory loss. It is eventually revealed that they are the older versions of the young lovers from the story.
The disease, which progressively impairs cognitive and functional abilities, is the leading cause of dementia, affecting nearly 7 million Americans. Despite the lack of a cure, advancements in early detection and treatment have provided some patients with means to manage its progression.
Reflecting on his family history, Cassavetes mentioned that both his grandmother and Rowlands’ mother, actress Lady Rowlands, also suffered from Alzheimer’s. This familial connection deeply influenced Rowlands’ decision to take on the role, as she once revealed in an interview with “O” Magazine in 2004. She admitted that if her son had not been directing, she might have declined the role due to its emotional weight.
Two decades since its release, “The Notebook” remains a beloved classic in the romance genre, having grossed over $100 million worldwide. Cassavetes takes pride in the film and his mother’s performance, which he describes as executed with remarkable grace.
Throughout her illustrious career spanning six decades, Rowlands has achieved significant acclaim as a television, film, and stage actress, frequently collaborating with her late husband, actor-director John Cassavetes. Her notable films include “A Woman Under the Influence” and “Gloria,” both of which earned her Academy Award nominations. She has also won four Emmys and two Golden Globes, and in 2015, she was honored with a lifetime achievement Academy Award.
Rowlands’ last major screen role was in the 2014 comedy-drama “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” after which she retired from acting the following year.
