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• Gena Rowlands is an American film, television, and stage actress. She was twice nominated for an Academy Award and has won three Emmy Awards. Rowlands is known for her highly-regarded performances in her husband John Cassavetes' films.

• Fast Facts

  1. Full Name: Virginia Cathryn Rowlands
  2. Born: June 19, 1930
  3. Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin
  4. Spouse: John Cassavetes
  5. Children: Nick Cassavetes, Zoe R. Cassavetes, Alexandra Cassavetes

• Early Life

  Born in Madison, Wisconsin to a banker and painter, Rowlands moved from the state to Washington, D.C. for her father's work and then later return to her home state to attend the University of Wisconsin. In college she discovered her interest in acting and decided to leave for New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was in New York where Rowlands began her theater career, first as an understudy for the lead role in the Broadway production of The Seven Year Itch and later starred in Middle of the Night. It wasn't until 1958 that Rowlands made her film debut in The High Cost of Loving.

• Gena and John

  Rowlands married filmmaker John Cassavetes in 1954. Rowlands and Cassavetes made ten films together including Faces, Gloria, Love Streams, A Woman Under the Influence, and Opening Night. Cassavetes passed away at the age of 59 from cirrhosis of the liver in 1989. The couple had three children.

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