**Lady Rowlands (1904-1991)** was an American actress, mother of the celebrated director John Cassavetes, with whom she established a prolific and significant cinematic collaboration. She is primarily remembered for her intense performances in her son's films, contributing to define the raw and realistic style of American independent cinema.

Among her most memorable appearances are roles in key Cassavetes films such as *Faces* (1968), *Minnie and Moskowitz* (1971), *A Woman Under the Influence* (1974) – where she often acted alongside her daughter-in-law Gena Rowlands – and *Opening Night* (1977).

Rowlands excelled at portraying complex female figures, often ordinary women, mothers, or vulnerable but resilient characters, characterized by intense authenticity. Her deeply naturalistic acting style blended perfectly with Cassavetes' vision, imbuing her characters with touching realism and profound emotionality.