‘Notebook’ Star Gena Rowlands Battles Alzheimer’s Disease After On-Screen Performance

Son of the actress and director of “Notebook” Nick Cassavetes shared the news on Tuesday with Weekly Entertainment — while celebrating the 20th anniversary of his beloved and iconic romance film… which he directed and in which his mother starred as Allie in old age.

NC says… “I asked my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and wanting to be real with her, and now, for five years, she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. “And it’s so crazy: we experienced it, she did it, and now it’s our fault. “

Remember… the big screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks‘played romance novel James Garner as Duke, a nursing home resident telling Gena’s Allie a love story… which, of course, also featured Ryan Gosling And Rachel McAdams.

At the end of the film, it’s revealed that Duke is actually the older version of Ryan’s character, Noah…and he’s trying to help older Allie regain her memories.

It’s heartbreaking to say the least…and with this latest real twist, doubly so.

Although “The Notebook” may be a little too close to home for Gena and his loved ones, Nick told the outlet that he’s proud of their film…and it still holds up 20 years later.

He continued… “It’s always a shock to hear that so much time has passed, but it makes sense. I’m just glad it exists. It seems to have worked and I’m very proud. “.

Gena — the actress’s daughter Lady Rowlandswho was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before his death – won 4 Emmy Awards, 2 Golden Globes and 2 Oscar nominations before retiring in 2015.

She collaborated with her filmmaker husband, Jean Cassavetesseveral times – notably on “A Woman Under the Influence” and “Gloria”.