**Gena Rowlands** (Cambria, Wisconsin, 1930) is an American actress, celebrated for her prolific and intense collaboration with her husband, director John Cassavetes, of whom she was a muse and an icon of American independent cinema.

Rowlands distinguished herself through her portrayals of complex women, often psychologically fragile but intrinsically strong and resilient. Among her most celebrated roles is Mabel Longhetti in *A Woman Under the Influence* (1974), which earned her her first Academy Award nomination for an unforgettable performance. She then starred in other Cassavetes masterpieces such as *Gloria* (1980), for which she received a second nomination, and *Opening Night* (1977).

Her acting style is characterized by a visceral quality and authenticity that make her characters vivid and unforgettable. Although she also worked with other directors (e.g., Woody Allen in *Another Woman*), her legacy is inextricably linked to Cassavetes' work, culminating in an Honorary Academy Award for career achievement in 2015.