NotebookAuthor pays tribute to acting legend Gena Rowlands after news of Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Nicholas Sparks, the writer behind the 1996 novel that inspired the 2004 Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams film also featuring Rowlands, 93, paid tribute to the actress “during this challenging time” on Instagram.
Rowlands’ son Nick Cassavetes, who directed his mother in the romantic drama, recently revealed Entertainment Weekly that the star is “in full dementia”.
The life of Gene Rowlands in pictures
Gena Rowlands November 14, 2015
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, thought to account for up to 70% of the world’s 55 million people with dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, the disease results from “a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.”
Sparks, 58, called it “such a cruel disease” in his tribute on Instagram on June 25. “My thoughts and prayers are with Gen, Nick and their family at this challenging time.”
Referring to Rowlands’ “powerful portrayal of Allie,” an older version of McAdams’ character in Notebook, the author added, “Her performance touched millions of hearts and helped bring my story to life in ways I could never have imagined. I am truly honored to have worked with such a talented artist.”
He concluded, “I will always cherish her legacy in film and her impact on film Notebook.”
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Bearing in mind that Rowlands is on screen Notebook the character also had the disease, Cassavetes, 65, said EW“We spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she has Alzheimer’s … it’s so crazy — we lived through it, she acted, and now it’s up to us.”
In an ON magazine interview in 2004 called Rowlands Notebook “a difficult but beautiful film” because her mother, Lady, also had Alzheimer’s disease. “I went through it with my mother, and if Nick hadn’t directed the movie, I don’t think I would have decided to do it,” she said at the time.
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James Garner and Gena Rowlands in ‘The Notebook’ (2004).
New Line/courtesy Everett
Rowlands was nominated for an Oscar twice – in 1974 A woman under the influence and the 1980s Gloria — and winner of an honorary Oscar in 2015.
After screening, Notebook it was also adapted into a Broadway musical by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. Now playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education