Gena Rowlands Remembered: Tributes from Hollywood Icons
Hollywood is paying tribute to one of its greats: actress Gina Rowlands.
Rowlands is perhaps best known for her role in son Nick Cassavetes’ 2004 film “The Notebook,” but she is also acclaimed for her roles in films directed by her late husband John Cassavetes, such as 1974’s ” A Woman Under the Influence” and 1980’s “Gloria.”
Gena Rowlands, Oscar-nominated actress of ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘The Notebook,’ dies at 94
Rowlands’ son revealed in June that she had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for five years, and her death was confirmed by the Associated Press.
A four-time Emmy winner, Rowlands was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 2015 after twice missing out on the best actress Oscar.
“You know what’s wonderful about being an actress,” she said while accepting the honorary award, “is that you don’t just live one life — your — you live many lives”.
See how Hollywood is remembering Rowlands and his work below:
Jamie Lee Curtis: The “Everything Everywhere All at One” actress remembered Rowlands as “a great” as well as “a guide,” and recommended fans watch “Woman Under the Influence.”
Rest in the knowledge that you were admired and respected,” Curtis continued.
In a separate post, he called Rowlands a “LEGEND.”
Danny DeVito: “Jina 😞 love ❤️,” the “Matilda” actor and director wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Kevin McHale: “One of the best ever. Gina Rowlands on opening night is unreal,” the “Glee” alum shared on X .
Amy Sedaris: “Rest in peace Gina Rowland. No one comes close. No one. So sad,” a student called “Stranger with Candy” wrote on Instagram.
Michael McCann: “RIP Gena Rowlands. Irreplaceable,” the “This Is Spinal Tap” star and “Better Call Saul” alum shared on X.
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Michelle Stafford: The “Young and the Restless” star paid tribute on Instagram, calling Rowlands “my favorite, favorite, favorite actress of all time. My very favorite,” for her performance in “A Woman Under the Influence.” called his inspiration to become an actress.
“My acting inspiration, she was. She was consistently brilliant. A true original, understated but sublime. Oh man, brilliant,” he continued. “IMO head and shoulders above its contemporaries. Beautiful depth, personality.
Emile Hirsch: “Rest in peace Jenna Rowlands — an incredible actress and amazing human being,” the “Into the Wild” actor said in a post on X. “I had the pleasure of working with her when I was 15 on this film, Wild Eyes, and I had never met at that age who was so wonderful in every way, she was a great teacher and role model, And will be greatly missed.”
Ione Skye: “Overwhelmed by the news,” Skye said in a message on Instagram. “What a woman.”
Saverio Guerra: “Heartbreaking news. My favorite actress of all time, Gena Rowlands, has passed away,” the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actor wrote in a message on X. “No one else will, don’t even try to convince me.”
Rufus Wainwright: “One of the greatest actors of all time has passed away,” the singer-songwriter said in a message on X. “Her films from ‘Gloria’ to ‘A Woman’ to ‘Under the Influence’ and ‘Faces.’ And unlike most Hollywood actors, she was willing to be ugly on screen to explore the depths of the human spirit.”
“His performance on opening night in the darkest hours has been a relief for me, and writing the song for the musical adaptation of this film has been one of the greatest artistic journeys I’ve taken in my career,” Wainwright. continued, “I’m sure you’ll bring some drama to heaven!”
Mae Whitman: Whitman, who starred in the 1998 film, “Hope Floats,” with Rowlands, said in a message on her Instagram story, “Thanks for everything Gena Love you forever ❤️”
Whitman also shared several photos of her and Rowlands from the film.