Renowned actress Gena Rowlands, best known for her portrayal of the older Allie in the movie “The Notebook,” has passed away at the age of 94. Her son, Nick Cassavetes, who directed the film, confirmed her passing to People magazine.
Rowlands died at her home in Indian Wells, California, surrounded by her family, as reported by TMZ. The actress had been battling Alzheimer’s Disease for the past five years, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Rowlands gained widespread recognition for her role as the elderly version of Allie, played by Rachel McAdams, in “The Notebook,” where her character also suffered from dementia—a condition closely related to Alzheimer’s.
In addition to “The Notebook,” Rowlands had a distinguished film career, often collaborating with her late husband, John Cassavetes, in movies such as “A Child Is Waiting” and “Tempest.”