**'A Woman Under the Influence'**, where she played a wife and mother struggling under the pressures of domestic life, and **'Gloria' (1980)**, where she portrayed a woman helping a young boy escape the mob.

John Cassavetes had a particular interest in women's issues and their societal challenges, which was reflected in his films.

Rowlands once said in 2015, 'He had a particular sympathetic interest in women and their problems in society, how they were treated and how they solved and overcame what they needed to, so all his movies have some interesting women, and you don’t need many.

'Rowlands earned three **Primetime Emmy Awards**, one **Daytime Emmy**, and two **Golden Globes**.

In 2015, she was awarded an **honorary Academy Award** in recognition of her work and legacy in Hollywood.

At the podium, she remarked, 'You know what’s wonderful about being an actress? You don’t just live one life; you live many lives.

'A new generation was introduced to Rowlands through her son's blockbuster film **'The Notebook' (2004)**, where she played a woman whose memory is ravaged, looking back on a timeless romance.

In her later years, Rowlands made several appearances in films and TV, including **'The Skeleton Key' (2005)** and the detective series **'Monk'**.

Her last appearance in a movie was in 2014, playing a retiree who befriends her gay dance instructor in **'Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks'**.

Gena Rowlands and John Cassavetes met at the American School of Dramatic Arts when both their careers were just beginning.

They married four months later.

Gena (pronounced Jenna) Rowlands became a seasoned actor through live television drama, tours in **'The Seven Year Itch'** and **'Middle of the Night'**, as well as off-Broadway performances.

Her big break came when **Josh Logan** cast her opposite **Edward G.

Robinson** in **Paddy Chayefsky’s play 'Middle of the Night'**.

Her role as a young woman in love with her much older boss brought her rave reviews, hailing her as a new star.

MGM offered her a contract for two pictures a year.

Her first film, a comedy directed by and co-starring **Jose Ferrer** called **'The High Cost of Loving'**, brought Rowlands comparisons to one of the great 1930s stars, **Carole Lombard**.

However, she asked to be released from her contract because she was expecting a baby.

Throughout her career, Rowlands often took long breaks from the screen to attend to family matters.

In addition to Nick, she and Cassavetes had two daughters, **Alexandra** and **Zoe**, who also pursued acting careers.

John Cassavetes died of cirrhosis of the liver in 1989, and Rowlands returned to acting to cope with her grief.

Between assignments, she sometimes attended film festivals and societies for Cassavetes screenings.

At the San Sebastian Festival in 1992, she said, 'I want everyone to see his films.

John was one of a kind, the most totally fearless person I’ve ever known.

He had a very specific view of life and the individuality of people.

'©RTÉ 2024.

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