Gena Rowlands wasn’t just the woman from The Notebook—she was a trailblazing actress who left a lasting mark on film history. Known for her raw and groundbreaking performances, Gena was a Hollywood legend long before her role in the beloved 2004 film. Following her passing in August 2024 at the age of 94, many are revisiting her legacy and wondering about the wealth she accumulated throughout her illustrious career. Here's a closer look at Gena Rowlands’s net worth and the impact she made during her decades in showbiz.
Source: Getty Images
What Was Gena Rowlands’s Net Worth?
At the time of her death, Gena Rowlands had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career that spanned more than 60 years, during which she received royalties from her iconic films and made strategic investments. Despite her Hollywood status, Gena’s wealth was primarily the result of consistent work, both in big-screen classics and lesser-known gems that showcased her incredible talent.
The Rise of a Hollywood Icon
Although many people today associate Gena with her role in The Notebook, her career began long before that film brought her to a new generation. Gena got her start on Broadway in the 1950s with a role in Middle of the Night, and it wasn’t long before she transitioned to television and then film. She quickly became a staple in the industry, known for taking on bold and challenging roles.
Her most significant creative period was during her collaboration with her husband, director John Cassavetes. The couple made ten films together from 1963 to 1984, including A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, both of which earned Gena Academy Award nominations. These films pushed the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and established Gena as a fearless performer willing to dive deep into complex, often difficult characters.
Source: Getty Images
Why Gena Rowlands Still Matters
Gena Rowlands’s work, particularly in the 1970s, remains some of the most innovative in film history. Critics and fans alike continue to sing her praises decades later. In fact, Richard Brody of The New Yorker went so far as to call her "the most important and original movie actor of the past half century-plus." It’s a bold statement, but anyone who’s seen Gena’s riveting performance in A Woman Under the Influence or her tough-as-nails portrayal in Gloria can understand why she’s held in such high regard.
To those who only know Gena from her touching role in The Notebook, this level of reverence might come as a surprise. But her earlier work reveals a performer who wasn’t just acting—she was transforming the craft itself. Whether she was playing a woman on the edge of a breakdown or a streetwise survivor, Gena always brought an intensity and authenticity that left audiences in awe.
The Later Years and a Lasting Legacy
After John Cassavetes’s death in 1989, Gena continued to work, though at a slower pace. She remained selective, appearing in both film and television until she decided to retire in 2014. Her final years were spent away from the public eye as she battled Alzheimer’s disease, a diagnosis revealed by her son, Nick Cassavetes, just weeks before her death.
While Gena Rowlands may no longer be with us, her contributions to cinema endure. For those who only know her from The Notebook, now is the perfect time to explore her groundbreaking work and see why she’s hailed as one of the greatest actresses of all time. With a career built on challenging norms and delivering unforgettable performances, Gena’s legacy is as substantial as the fortune she left behind. And for anyone curious why she could make you tear up with just a glance in The Notebook, her earlier films provide all the answers.
Comments