The acting world is mourning the loss of Gena Rowlands, star of “Day in a Day,” who has died at the age of 94. The celebrated Hollywood actress died on Wednesday surrounded by her loved ones.
Gena’s son, film director Nick Cassavetes, announced in June that Gena had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and had been battling it for five years before it progressed to full-blown dementia.
The condition was eerily reminiscent of the plight of an elderly Ally, a famous character from the hit romantic drama series “Like a Single Day.” According to TMZ, Nick was with the family at their Indian Wells, California, home when she passed away.
Film Updates paid tribute to your favorite actor’s favorite actress, Gina, the unique artist that she is. Rest in peace, Gina, we miss you,” one user wrote.
Another shared, “I’ve been a fan of hers since the day I saw The Notebook… Rest in peace,” while yet another commented, “A Woman Under the Influence remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication to her art.” Rest in peace.”
An eighth commenter wrote, “This hurts so much… Rest in peace,” while others wrote to X. “Watching The Notebook tonight,” one fan wrote.
Rowlands has also starred in other notable films such as Gloria and Second Chance, but is best known to younger generations for her role as the mature Allie in A Single Day. Actress Rachel McAdams played a younger version of the character.
Like a Single Day celebrated its 20th birthday the same month that Nick revealed shocking details about his mother’s declining health.
“We had my mom play an older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and trying to be authentic about it, and now she’s had Alzheimer’s for five years,” he told Entertainment Tonight in June. “She’s fully demented. And it’s so crazy — we lived it, she played it, and now we’re responsible for it.”