Hollywood just lost another iconic talent. Actress Gena Rowlands has passed away at the age of 94, following a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Rowlands was born in Wisconsin to Edwin Myrwyn Rowlands and Mary Allen. Her mother, Mary, had the stage name Lady Rowlands when she kicked off her acting career.
Rowlands’ early work included a role in 1958’s The High Cost Of Loving, directed by José Ferrer. The film saw a man reflect on his own life as his career takes an unexpected turn, and as he learns he’ll soon be responsible for a child. Rowlands played opposite Ferrer’s leading role as his wife.
As Variety reports, one of Rowlands’ biggest parts of her career was the leading role in A Woman Under The Influence. Directed by her husband John Cassavetes, Rowlands plays a mother returning to her home and reuniting with her family after a stint in an institution.
It was Rowland’s work in Woman Under The Influence that saw her get nominated for Best Actress at the 47th Academy Awards. She lost, however, to Ellen Burstyn, for her role in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
In the years to come, Rowlands appeared in many films. Some include The Notebook, Night On Earth, Opening Night, and Love Streams, just to name a few.
One of her films, Paris Je T’aime, showcasing multiple segments from multiple directors, saw Rowlands act and even serve as a writer on her respective segment.
Survivors include second husband, Robert Forrest, her three children, Nick, Zoe, and Alexandra, and her grandchildren.
Leave a Comment