Renowned actor Gena Rowlands, known for her captivating performances in films like "A Woman Under the Influence" and "Gloria," has been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past five years, as revealed by her son, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cassavetes shared that his mother's struggle with the disease has deeply impacted their family. Rowlands, who was honored with an Academy Award in 2015, has shown incredible resilience throughout her career, even drawing inspiration from her own experiences with her mother's Alzheimer's for her role in "The Notebook." This bittersweet revelation sheds light on the challenging journey Rowlands and her loved ones have been on, highlighting the importance of authenticity in storytelling and showcasing the enduring strength of a legendary actress facing an unforgiving illness.