Nicholas David Rowland Cassavetes (born May 21, 1959)[1] is an American actor, director, and writer. He has directed such films as She's So Lovely (1997), John Q. (2002), The Notebook (2004), Alpha Dog (2006), and My Sister's Keeper (2009). His acting credits include an uncredited role in Husbands (1970)—which was directed by his father, John Cassavetes—as well as roles in the films The Wraith (1986), Face/Off (1997), and Blow (2001).
Early life and career
Cassavetes was born in New York City,[2] the son of Greek-American actor and film director John Cassavetes and actress Gena Rowlands.[1] As a child, he appeared in his father's film Husbands (1970). After spending so much of his youth surrounded by the film industry, Cassavetes initially decided he did not want to go into the field. He instead attended Syracuse University on a basketball scholarship, but after an injury effectively ended his athletic career, he decided to rethink his aspirations, ultimately deciding to attend his parents' alma mater, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.[3]
He also has played himself in the season 7 opener of Entourage on HBO and Tattoo Joe as a cameo in The Hangover: Part II, replacing Liam Neeson from the cast due to scheduling conflicts.[7]
Personal life
In 1985, Cassavetes married Isabelle Rafalovich.[8] They had two daughters together before divorcing. Their daughter Sasha was born with a heart defect and underwent substantial surgery; Cassavetes' film John Q. was dedicated to Sasha, and his later adaptation of My Sister's Keeper was based in part on Sasha's medical experience.[9]
Cassavetes later married Heather "Queenie" Wahlquist,[8] and they have a daughter together. Wahlquist has appeared in several of his films, including a small role in The Notebook as Sara, a secondary character and best friend to the female lead Allie Hamilton, portrayed by Rachel McAdams.[10] Cassavetes' mother, Gena Rowlands, appears as the older, married Allie (Hamilton) Calhoun.
^Cassavetes, Nick (Director) (February 8, 2005). The Notebook (DVD). United States of America: New Line Home Entertainment. ISBN978-0-7806-4883-8. Retrieved September 19, 2009.