Gena Rowlands, born Virginia Cathryn Rowlands on June 19, 1930, in Madison, Wisconsin, was an American actress whose career spanned nearly seven decades. She was known for her collaborations with her late husband, actor-director John Cassavetes, in ten films, including "A Woman Under the Influence" (1974) and "Gloria" (1980), both of which earned her Oscar nominations.

Gena Rowlands passed away on August 14, 2024, at the age of 94 in Indian Wells, California.

She began her acting career in the early 1950s, performing with repertory theatre companies and making her Broadway debut in "The Seven Year Itch". She later moved to New York City to study drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she met Cassavetes.

The couple married in 1954 and remained together until his death in 1989. She continued to work in film, stage, and television, earning four Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards during her career.

Some of her most notable roles included "Opening Night" (1977), for which she won the Silver Bear for Best Actress, and "The Notebook" (2004), directed by her son Nick Cassavetes.

She was also known for her performances in "Another Woman" (1988) directed by Woody Allen, and "Hysterical Blindness" (2002) directed by Mira Nair. In 2015, she received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of her unique screen performances.

Her personal life was marked by her long and loving marriage to Cassavetes and her dedication to her family. She had three children with Cassavetes: Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe, all of whom followed in their parents' footsteps and pursued careers in the entertainment industry.

In 2012, she married Robert Forrest, who remained by her side until her passing.