Gena Rowlands' Alzheimer's Diagnosis Reflects Role as Character

Entertainment | June 25, 2024, 8:13 p.m.

Renowned actress Gena Rowlands is facing a heartbreaking battle with dementia, as revealed by her son, director Nick Cassavetes. This poignant revelation comes as a cruel twist of fate, considering Rowlands portrayed a character with Alzheimer's in the film The Notebook, directed by Cassavetes himself. The film served as a platform for discussions about the disease, with Rowlands striving for authenticity in her portrayal. Now, the reality has hit home as Rowlands herself is grappling with the effects of dementia. She follows in the footsteps of her mother, Lady Rowlands, who also suffered from the condition. Despite the challenging circumstances, Rowlands remains a revered figure in the world of independent film, having received an honorary Oscar in 2015. Her legacy, alongside her late husband John Cassavetes, stands as a testament to their pioneering work in cinema. Through it all, Rowlands finds solace in the power of love, as she once said, "When you feel loved, everything is easy."