Born on June 19, 1930, in Wisconsin, Gena Rowlands was the daughter of a banker father and actress mother. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Gena pursued a career in acting; she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. There, she met fellow student Cassavetes, whom she married in 1954, and went to star in his productions such as A Woman Under The Influence (1974).
To younger fans, Gena will be recognised for her portrayal of an older woman with Alzheimer’s in the film The Notebook (2004).
Unlike her character in The Notebook, Allie Calhoun, Gena still has her wits’ about her, including her health.
Perhaps Gena’s longevity, in part, could be down to lucky genetics. Her mother, Lady Rowlands, died in 1999 at the age of 95.
“My mother was a very independent woman,” Gena reflected. “She was terrific. She could have done anything really.”
READ MORE: Ignoring the toilet signs of prostate cancer could lower survival odds by 40% warns expert
The fuel you put into your body is also critical in whether you live a healthy or diseased life.
By filling up on saturated fats, found in sweets and cakes, you are damaging your body.
A healthy system requires plenty of nutrients and minerals, which can found in fruits and vegetables.
Moreover, healthy proteins need to be consumed, such as those found in chickpeas.
Gena Rowlands stars in Lonely Are The Brave, airing on Wednesday, October 5 at 12:55pm on Film4.