Last Wednesday, one of the most extraordinary actresses to have ever lived passed away at the age of 94. The actress was Gena Rowlands. The cause of death was complications of Alzheimer’s disease (read here and here). According to her son Nick Cassavetes (read here), Rowlands had been living with Alzheimer’s for the past five years. And yes, Nick is the son of the late great actor/director/writer John Cassavetes. Rowlands had been married to John from 1954 until his death in 1989. To commemorate her career, I will list my favorite films of hers where she serves as a standout below (all * * * * out of * * * *).

1. Faces (1968) (Dir: John Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer
2. Minnie and Moskowitz (1971) (Dir: John Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer
3. A Woman Under the Influence (1974) (Dir: John Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer
4. Opening Night (1977) (Dir: John Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer
5. Gloria (1980) (Dir: John Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer
6. Love Streams (1984) (Dir: John Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer
7. The Notebook (2004) (Dir: Nick Cassavetes) Click here to view the film’s original theatrical trailer

I would like to end this blog entry with a question for my dear readers below

What is your favorite Gena Rowlands film?