The Notebook Actors: Where Are They Now? The Secret Feud, Tragic Deaths, And Huge 2025 Projects
Twenty years after its release, The Notebook remains one of the most beloved and endlessly rewatchable romantic dramas of all time, but the lives of its stars have seen dramatic shifts and incredible success. As of December 2025, the main cast members are navigating blockbuster sci-fi films, high-profile limited series, and, tragically, the film has mourned the loss of two of its most iconic stars.
From a shocking on-set feud that fueled their electric chemistry to the current status of their private lives and upcoming 2025–2026 film slate, this is the definitive, up-to-date look at the actors who brought Noah and Allie’s unforgettable love story to life. The updates on the older cast members, in particular, will surprise and sadden fans of the Nicholas Sparks adaptation.
The Main Cast: From On-Set Enemies to Hollywood Royalty
The core of The Notebook’s enduring appeal is the volatile, undeniable chemistry between its young leads, a dynamic that famously stemmed from a real-life, intense dislike during filming. Director Nick Cassavetes later confirmed that Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were often at each other’s throats, with Gosling even attempting to have his co-star fired.
1. Ryan Gosling (Noah Calhoun)
Biography & Profile:
- Full Name: Ryan Thomas Gosling
- Born: November 12, 1980 (Age 45 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: London, Ontario, Canada
- Partner: Eva Mendes (since 2011)
- Children: Two daughters, Esmeralda Amada Gosling and Amada Lee Gosling.
- Recent Major Work: *Barbie* (2023), *The Fall Guy* (2024)
Following his Oscar-nominated turn as Ken in 2023's *Barbie*, Ryan Gosling cemented his status as a global superstar. His career has diversified dramatically from the brooding, romantic lead of Noah Calhoun to a comedic and action star.
Current & Upcoming Projects (2025–2027):
Gosling's slate is packed with major studio projects. He is set to star in the highly anticipated sci-fi adaptation, *Project Hail Mary*, based on the novel by Andy Weir, which is scheduled for a 2026 release. He is also slated to reprise his role as the elite assassin Court Gentry in *The Gray Man 2*, the sequel to the massive Netflix action film.
Personal Life Update:
Gosling maintains an extremely private life with his long-time partner, actress Eva Mendes. He has publicly stated that his family—Eva and their two daughters—is his priority, and he often turns down roles that are too psychologically twisted for their sake, choosing projects that are "going to be best for all of us." His focus on being a present father is a major theme in his current career choices, a stark contrast to the tumultuous life of Noah Calhoun.
2. Rachel McAdams (Allie Hamilton)
Biography & Profile:
- Full Name: Rachel Anne McAdams
- Born: November 17, 1978 (Age 47 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: London, Ontario, Canada
- Partner: Jamie Linden (screenwriter, since 2016)
- Children: Two children (a son and a daughter).
- Recent Major Work: *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret* (2023)
Rachel McAdams, who famously won the role of Allie over several other major stars, has had a highly selective and critically acclaimed career. Her performance in 2023’s *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret* was widely praised, showcasing her powerful shift into playing complex maternal roles.
Current & Upcoming Projects (2025–2026):
McAdams is set to star in the upcoming AI thriller film *Send Help*, directed by Sam Raimi, which is scheduled for release in early 2026. She has been vocal about being "selective" about her projects, often prioritizing roles that allow her to balance her career with her private family life.
The Post-Feud Romance:
The shocking twist in the Gosling-McAdams relationship is that, despite their initial on-set hostility—where Gosling reportedly asked director Nick Cassavetes to "get her out of here"—the two began dating shortly after filming wrapped. Their real-life romance lasted for several years, proving that their on-screen chemistry was, eventually, undeniable.
The Supporting Players: From Lon to Anne Hamilton
While Noah and Allie captured the heart of the film, the supporting cast provided the necessary emotional anchors, most of whom are still working actively in Hollywood today.
3. James Marsden (Lon Hammond Jr.)
The Man Who Lost Allie: James Marsden played the wealthy, charming, but ultimately ill-fated suitor, Lon Hammond Jr. Marsden has since become one of Hollywood's most versatile and recognizable faces, balancing film and prestige television.
Current & Upcoming Projects: Marsden is busy, with his recent work including the Hulu series *Paradise*. Fans can look forward to seeing him return to the big screen in the family blockbuster *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, scheduled for a late 2025 release. He is also set to star in the Michael Keaton-directed film *Knox Goes Away*.
4. Joan Allen (Anne Hamilton)
Allie's Protective Mother: The three-time Oscar nominee, who played Allie's mother Anne Hamilton, is known for her powerful, dramatic roles and has remained selective about her projects.
Current & Upcoming Projects: Allen recently made a major return to television in early 2025, starring opposite Robert De Niro in the Netflix political thriller limited series *Zero Day*. This high-profile role, which she discussed in interviews in early 2025, marks her first on-screen role in several years, demonstrating her preference for impactful, quality work.
5. Kevin Connolly (Fin)
Noah's Loyal Friend: Best known for his long-running role on the HBO series *Entourage* as Eric "E" Murphy, Connolly played Fin, Noah's loyal friend. Connolly has since moved into directing and producing, as well as acting.
Current Status: Connolly continues his work in the entertainment industry, with recent reports placing him in an upcoming, smaller-budget film project. He is also involved in the voice-acting convention circuit, with a scheduled appearance at Delta H Con in July 2025.
Tragic Loss: The Beloved Older Cast Members
The most significant and heartbreaking updates for fans of The Notebook involve the actors who portrayed the older, enduring versions of Noah and Allie, delivering the film's most poignant scenes.
6. Gena Rowlands (Older Allie)
The Heartbreaking Update: Gena Rowlands, a legendary actress and two-time Oscar nominee who played the older Allie suffering from dementia, passed away in August 2024 at the age of 94. Her death was a major loss to the film world, and it was revealed shortly before her passing that she herself had been battling Alzheimer's disease, the same condition her character Allie suffered from in the film.
7. James Garner (Older Noah)
The Enduring Legacy: James Garner, the iconic actor who played the older Noah reading the story to Allie, passed away several years ago on July 19, 2014, at the age of 86. Garner’s final scene, where he and Rowlands’ characters pass away peacefully together, remains one of the most powerful and tear-jerking moments in cinematic history.
The Notebook's Enduring Legacy in 2025
The film’s legacy is more alive than ever, moving beyond the screen and onto the stage. *The Notebook* was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2024, which is now preparing for a national tour in the 2025–2026 season.
The stage show has found creative ways to honor the film’s most iconic moments, including recreating the famous rain-soaked kiss scene, a feat of theatrical engineering that keeps the spirit of the original alive for a new generation. The film continues to influence romance writers and directors, with author Nicholas Sparks currently developing a new romance movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
From the passionate, real-life drama between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams that fueled their on-screen fire to the quiet, dignified passing of its legendary older stars, the cast of The Notebook has lived a life worthy of a great novel itself. Their most recent projects ensure that their careers will continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.
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