Gena Rowlands

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Birthday:

19 June 1930, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Birth Name:

Virginia Cathryn Rowlands

Height:

168 cm

Virginia Cathryn "Gena" Rowlands is an American film, stage, and television actress, whose career in the entertainment industry has spanned over six decades. A four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner, she is known for her collaborations with her late actor-director husband John Cassavetes in 10 films, including A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She also won the Silver Bear for Best Actress for Opening Night (1977). In November 2015, Rowlands received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of her unique screen performances. Show less «

[on working with Bette Davis on the TV movie Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter (1979)] When they offered that part opposite her,...Show more »

[on working with Bette Davis on the TV movie Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter (1979)] When they offered that part opposite her, I didn't want to do it. I thought, what if all my illusions were broken? But I couldn't resist the temptation. She's no pussycat -- she's just a great and independent artist and I loved every minute working with her. Show less «

[on John Cassavetes] We had a great deal of freedom when John acted. We traveled a lot and it was fun. But with directing ... really. I thin...Show more »

[on John Cassavetes] We had a great deal of freedom when John acted. We traveled a lot and it was fun. But with directing ... really. I think people don't have all their marbles who prefer directing to acting because you write for three months, you cut for maybe six months. He's the most terrifying perfectionist about what he wants. As an artist, I love him. As a husband, I hate him. Show less «

[on her role in A Woman Under the Influence (1974)] I knew many girls who had had breakdowns. I drew little touches from each of them and a ...Show more »

[on her role in A Woman Under the Influence (1974)] I knew many girls who had had breakdowns. I drew little touches from each of them and a lot from myself. I don't mean I'm really going mad, but I'm a little crazy - we all are - and sometimes I let things go. Show less «

Children are everything actors say they are. They're unpredictable; they steal scenes, but that's what makes them so much fun. They're not b...Show more »

Children are everything actors say they are. They're unpredictable; they steal scenes, but that's what makes them so much fun. They're not brainwashed and that's very exciting. You never know what they're going to do or say - how they'll respond. Show less «

[on receiving an honorary Oscar] I didn't think for a minute that I was going to get it. I think it's awfully nice.

[on A Woman Under the Influence (1974)] I liked the script very much. It was sort of a difficult role. But I like difficult roles.

[on working with her husband John Cassavetes] I was part of the acting group. He treated me no differently.

[on The Notebook (2004)] The kids -- Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling -- were such good actors. I was happy to work with Jim Garner [James Ga...Show more »

[on The Notebook (2004)] The kids -- Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling -- were such good actors. I was happy to work with Jim Garner [James Garner]. Everyone said it must be hard to work for your son [Nick Cassavetes]. I guess when you feel loved, everything is easy. Show less «

[on her son Nick Cassavetes] He is much like John [John Cassavetes] in his direction. He loves actors and doesn't throw himself around.