Actress Gena Rowlands passed away at the age of 94. Born Virginia Cathryn Rowlands in 1930, she had a career spanning over six decades in theater, TV, and film. Rowlands began her career on Broadway before transitioning to television in the 1950s, appearing in shows like “Top Secret” and “Appointment With Adventure.” She made her film debut in 1958’s “The High Cost of Loving” and continued to work in TV while also starring in films.
In the 1960s, Rowlands began collaborating with her first husband, John Cassavetes, on a series of independent films. Over a 20-year period, the couple made 10 movies together, including critically acclaimed works like “A Woman Under the Influence” and “Gloria,” for which Rowlands received Academy Award nominations. The pair’s independent filmmaking style allowed them to take breaks and work on other projects to fund their movies, which often faced financial challenges.
Throughout her career, Rowlands received numerous accolades for her work, including Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for roles in projects like “The Betty Ford Story,” “Face of a Stranger,” and “Hysterical Blindness.” She also appeared in mainstream films like “Something to Talk About,” “Hope Floats,” and “The Notebook,” directed by her son Nick Cassavetes. Rowlands continued to act in TV shows like “Monk” and “NCIS” as well as in the film “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks.”
In 2015, Rowlands was honored with an Honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards, recognizing her contributions to the acting industry. Throughout her career, Rowlands expressed her love for acting and the opportunity it provided to experience different lives. She credited her passion for reading as an influence on her desire to become an actress and expressed gratitude for the diverse roles she was able to portray.
Rowlands’ legacy in the entertainment industry lives on through her extensive body of work and the impact she made on her collaborators and audiences alike. Her dedication to independent filmmaking alongside Cassavetes, as well as her ability to seamlessly transition between TV, film, and theater, solidified her status as a versatile and revered actress. Though she has passed away, her work will continue to be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
