Gena Rowlands, the renowned actress who played the older Allie in The Notebook, has passed away at 94. She died at her home in Indian Wells, California, with her son, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes, confirming the news. Rowlands had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for the past five years.

Rowlands’ career was marked by numerous accolades, including four Emmy Awards and two Academy Award nominations for A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria.

She also won two Golden Globe Awards, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.

Her son, Nick Cassavetes, reflected on the authenticity of her portrayal of Allie’s dementia in The Notebook, noting how surreal it felt to experience the reality of Alzheimer’s after the film’s depiction.