Virginia Cathryn "Gena" Rowlands (born June 19, 1930) is an American film, stage and television actress, best known for her career in the entertainment industry stretching over six decades. The four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner is best known for her collaborations with her late actor-director husband John Cassavetes in ten films, in two of which, Gloria and A Woman Under the Influence, she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. In August 2015, it was announced Rowlands would be the recipient of an Honorary Academy Award, in recognition of her unique screen performances.

Biography

Rowlands was married to John Cassavetes from April 9, 1954, until his death on February 3, 1989. They met at the American Academy at Carnegie Hall where they were both students. They had three children, all actor-directors: Nick, Alexandra, and Zoe.

Rowlands has stated that she was a big fan of actress Bette Davis whilst growing up. She played the daughter of Bette Davis in Strangers.

Best films