Gena Rowlands, a celebrated actress and honorary Academy Award recipient, has been battling Alzheimer’s disease for the past five years, according to her son and filmmaker Nick Cassavetes. Cassavetes revealed this information in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, stating that his mother has been in full dementia since then. The news of Rowlands’ condition has been confirmed by a representative for the actress, who spoke on behalf of the family.
Rowlands’ experience with Alzheimer’s is not new to her; she has played characters with dementia in films before. In the 2004 movie The Notebook, Cassavetes directed his mother, who portrayed the older version of Rachel McAdams’ character, as a woman with dementia. The film’s portrayal of Alzheimer’s was praised for its authenticity, and Cassavetes cited this experience as a factor in his mother’s acceptance of the diagnosis.
“We lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us,” Cassavetes said, reflecting on the significance of The Notebook in his mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s. This statement underscores the emotional toll that the disease has taken on Rowlands and her family.
Gena Rowlands (Via Gena Rowlands/Twitter)
Rowlands has had a distinguished career, spanning over four decades. She has received numerous accolades, including an honorary Oscar in 2015 and four Emmy awards. Her notable performances include her roles in A Woman Under The Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), for which she received Oscar nominations. Her last credited performance was in the 2014 comedy Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks.
Interestingly, Rowlands’ experience with Alzheimer’s is not unique to her. Her mother, actress Lady Rowlands, also suffered from the disease. This personal connection may have influenced Rowlands’ portrayal of characters with dementia in films like The Notebook.
In an interview with O magazine in 2004, Rowlands discussed her experience making The Notebook, stating that she channeled her own feelings about her mother’s illness into the performance. “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,” she said. “It was a tough but wonderful movie.”
Rowlands’ journey with Alzheimer’s serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact the disease can have on individuals and their families. Her son’s revelation about her condition has provided a rare Look into the personal struggles of a beloved actress, and serves as a tribute to her dedication to portraying complex characters on screen.
