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JOHN Cassavetes was a pioneer in modern American independent cinema but he also dated a famous actress from the film The Notebook.
Here's all we know about John and his relationship with Gena Rowlands.
Who is John Cassavetes?
John was a Greek film director who was born on December 9, 1929 and died February 3, 1989 from cirrhosis of the liver.
He began his career as an actor before moving into being a writing and director - often producing and funding his own projects.
John studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and acted in network dramas alongside.
As a director, Cassavetes became known for a string of critically acclaimed independent films.
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These include Shadows (1959), Faces (1968), Husbands (1970), A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Opening Night (1977), and Love Streams (1984).
When did John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands marry?
The pair tied the knot on April 9 in 1954 and remained together until John's death.
John graduated in 1950 and met his future wife Gena Rowlands at her audition to enter the Academy in 1953.
They married four months later.
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In 1961 John signed a seven-year deal with Paramount and he directed two movies for Hollywood in the early 1960s - Too Late Blues (1961) and A Child Is Waiting (1963).
Gena died from Alzheimer's disease at her home in Indian Wells, California, on August 14, 2024, at the impressive age of 94.
She was famous for playing the older version of female lead Allie in the classic film.
Her younger self was portrayed by Rachel McAdams.
Gena also appeared in her husband's movie, Faces, which depicts the slow collapse of a marriage.
The film was said to have taken three years to make, and was made largely in the pair's home.
She also starred in her son, Nick Cassavetes', “Unhook the Stars” in 1996.
How many children did John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands have?
John and Gena have three children who are all all actor-directors.
They are called Nick Cassavetes, Zoe Cassavetes and Alexandra Cassavetes.