The Notebook: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

The Notebook (2004) is an American romantic drama directed by Nick Cassavetes, adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel. Set in 1940s South Carolina, it follows Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton, star-crossed lovers from different social classes, whose romance is tested by family disapproval and World War II.

The story is narrated by an elderly Noah (Duke) to a woman with dementia, revealed as Allie, in a nursing home. Filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, from late 2002 to early 2003, it grossed $117 million worldwide on a $29 million budget.

Despite mixed reviews (53% on Rotten Tomatoes), the film earned a cult following, an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams), and praise for its emotional depth and the leads’ chemistry. Critics noted its sentimental tone and predictable plot, but fans on X laud its heartfelt storytelling and iconic rain-soaked kiss scene.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun

• Role: Noah, a passionate mill worker who falls for Allie, writes her 365 letters, and rebuilds a plantation home to win her back. Gosling’s “soulful” performance, including improvised lines like “What do you want?”, was a breakout. Appeared in ~110 minutes. Prepared by living in Charleston, rowing the Ashley River, and building furniture (e.g., the film’s dinner table).
• Net Worth: $70 million to $80 million.
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m).
• Family: Born November 12, 1980, in London, Ontario, to Thomas (salesman) and Donna Gosling (secretary). Part French Canadian, German, English, Scottish, and Irish descent. One older sister, Mandi. Raised Mormon; parents divorced in 1990s.
• Relationships: Dated Sandra Bullock (2002–2003), Rachel McAdams (2005–2007, briefly 2008). Married Eva Mendes (2011–present, confirmed 2022); two daughters, Esmeralda (born 2014) and Amada (born 2016).
• Post-Film: Starred in Drive (2011), The Big Short (2015), Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Supports PETA and Invisible Children; volunteered in post-Hurricane Katrina cleanup.

Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamilton

• Role: Allie, a wealthy Southern belle who defies her parents for Noah. Her expanded role (compared to the novel) drives the story. McAdams’ “captivating” performance, honed with ballet and etiquette classes, won her an MTV Movie Award. Appeared in ~110 minutes. Clashed with Gosling on set but dated him later.
• Net Worth: $25 million to $30 million.
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m).
• Family: Born November 17, 1978, in London, Ontario, to Lance (mover) and Sandra McAdams (nurse). One younger brother, Daniel (trainer), and sister, Kayleen (makeup artist). Graduated York University (BFA, Theatre, 2001).
• Relationships: Dated Ryan Gosling (2005–2007, briefly 2008), Michael Sheen (2010–2013). With Jamie Linden (screenwriter) since 2016; two children, a son (born 2018) and a daughter (born ~2020).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Vow (2012), About Time (2013), Game Night (2018). Made Broadway debut in Mary Jane (2024, Tony nomination).

James Garner as Duke / Older Noah Calhoun

• Role: Duke, elderly Noah, reads their love story to Allie in the nursing home. Garner’s “poignant” performance added depth. Appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $20 million.
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m).
• Family: Born April 7, 1928, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Weldon and Mildred Bumgarner. Two older brothers, Jack and Charles. Stepdaughter Kim from first marriage; daughter Gigi with Lois Clarke. Died July 19, 2014 (heart attack).
• Relationships: Married to Lois Clarke (1956–2014); one daughter, Gigi.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Ultimate Gift (2006). Retired after 2010 due to health issues.

Gena Rowlands as Older Allie Calhoun

• Role: Older Allie, suffering from dementia, listens to Noah’s story. Rowlands, the director’s mother, won a Golden Satellite Award for her “heartfelt” performance. Appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $10 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born June 19, 1930, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Edwin and Mary Rowlands. One brother, David. Died August 14, 2024 (Alzheimer’s complications).
• Relationships: Married to John Cassavetes (1954–1989, his death); three children, Nick (director), Alexandra, and Zoe (actresses). Married Robert Forrest (2012–2024).
• Post-Film: Appeared in Taking Lives (2004), The Skeleton Key (2005). Retired after 2015.

James Marsden as Lon Hammond Jr.

• Role: Lon, Allie’s wealthy, charming fiancé, a lawyer from old Southern money. Marsden’s “likable” performance resonated despite fan backlash for “interfering” with Noah and Allie. Appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $10 million to $12 million.
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
• Family: Born September 18, 1973, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to James and Kathleen Marsden. Four siblings: Jeff, Robert, Elizabeth, and Jennifer.
• Relationships: Married to Lisa Linde (2000–2011); two children, Jack (born 2001) and Mary (born 2005). One son, William (born 2012), with Rose Costa. With Edei (musician) since 2015.
• Post-Film: Starred in Westworld (2016–2018), Sonic the Hedgehog (2020–2024). Upcoming: Unfrosted (2025).

Joan Allen as Anne Hamilton

• Role: Anne, Allie’s stern mother who disapproves of Noah. Allen’s “nuanced” performance reflected her own past with a lower-class lover. Appeared in ~20 minutes.
• Net Worth: $8 million to $10 million.
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
• Family: Born August 20, 1956, in Rochelle, Illinois, to Dorothea and James Allen (gas station owner). Three siblings: David, Mary, and Lynn.
• Relationships: Married to Peter Friedman (1990–2002); one daughter, Sadie (actress). Single as of 2025.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Upside of Anger (2005), Lisey’s Story (2021). Broadway: The Waverly Gallery (2018).

Sam Shepard as Frank Calhoun

• Role: Frank, Noah’s supportive, hardworking father. Shepard’s “grounded” performance drew from his own acting style, inspiring Gosling. Appeared in ~15 minutes.
• Net Worth: $10 million.
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m).
• Family: Born November 5, 1943, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois, to Samuel and Jane Shepard. Two sisters, Roxanne and Sandy. Died July 27, 2017 (ALS).
• Relationships: Married to O-Lan Jones (1969–1984); one son, Jesse. With Jessica Lange (1983–2009); two children, Hannah and Samuel.
• Post-Film: Starred in Mud (2012), Cold in July (2014). Narrated Charlotte’s Web (2006).

Kevin Connolly as Fin

• Role: Fin, Noah’s best friend who dies in World War II. Connolly’s “earnest” cameo was brief but impactful. Appeared in ~10 minutes.
• Net Worth: $15 million.
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m).
• Family: Born March 5, 1974, in Patchogue, New York, to John and Eileen Connolly. One brother, Tim.
• Relationships: Dated Zulay Henao (2019–2021). No children; single as of 2025.
• Post-Film: Starred in Hotel Noir (2012), Entourage film (2015). Directed Dear Eleanor (2016).

Jamie Anne Allman as Martha Shaw

• Role: Martha, a war widow Noah briefly romances. Allman’s “sympathetic” role was minor but poignant. Appeared in ~10 minutes.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born April 6, 1977, in Parsons, Kansas, to unreported parents. No siblings reported.
• Relationships: Married to Marshall Allman (2006–present); twin sons (born 2013) and a daughter.
• Post-Film: Appeared in Any Day Now (2012), The Donner Party (2009).

Additional Notes

Salaries: Gosling and McAdams earned ~$500,000 each, boosted by their rising status. Garner and Rowlands earned ~$200,000–$300,000, reflecting veteran status. Marsden and Allen earned ~$100,000–$200,000; Shepard, Connolly, and Allman earned ~$20,000–$100,000. The $29 million budget covered Charleston locations, period sets, and a swan-filled lake scene. Streaming residuals (Netflix, Hulu) add to earnings.

Casting Insights: Gosling was cast for his “not handsome, regular guy” vibe, per Cassavetes, who valued his intensity. McAdams beat out Britney Spears, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Lawrence (too young at 13), Reese Witherspoon (too old at 28), and others after a chemistry read with Gosling. Their on-set tension fueled their performances but led to Gosling briefly requesting a stand-in.

Impact and Legacy: The Notebook’s $117 million gross and 53% Rotten Tomatoes score reflect its sleeper hit status. The Gosling-McAdams kiss scene, recreated at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards, remains iconic. Fans on X quote lines like “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” and praise the film’s emotional depth, though some call it “sappy.” Its real-life inspiration (Sparks’ ex-wife’s grandparents) and 2012 extended cut (with 10+ minutes of deleted scenes) add to its legacy. A planned CW series in 2015 never materialized.

Post-Film Careers: Gosling and McAdams became A-listers, with Oscar nominations and blockbusters. Marsden diversified with Westworld and Sonic. Allen and Shepard continued acclaimed work until their deaths. Rowlands retired post-Alzheimer’s diagnosis, mirroring her role. Connolly focused on Entourage and directing. Allman took supporting roles.

Cultural Influence: The film’s rain-soaked kiss and notebook-reading framing device became romance genre staples. Kobe Bryant gifted Vanessa the blue dress from the kiss scene, citing its emotional weight. Fans on Letterboxd call it a “tearjerker masterpiece,” though critics note its formulaic structure. Its themes of enduring love and class struggles resonate, amplified by Charleston’s lush visuals.

Conclusion

The Notebook’s cast, led by Gosling and McAdams, crafted a timeless romance with raw chemistry despite on-set friction. Net worths range from $1–$2 million (Allman) to $80 million (Gosling), reflecting varied careers.

Personal lives, from Gosling’s family with Mendes to Rowlands’ real-life Alzheimer’s, mirror the film’s emotional stakes. With its cult status, iconic scenes, and 2025 Broadway musical, The Notebook endures as a romantic touchstone, despite critiques of sentimentality.