Cathy Morarity did the exception. Cathy Moriarty Gentile.
XXAnthony

its not a sexist question, just an ignorant one
www.biggreenfilms.com
"It's just a movie" is no excuse for lazy filmmaking!

But Gena wasn't divorced of John Cassavettes right? Or was she?

You're right - it IS a sexist question.
Anyway, since others have already explained why it would be unwise for an established actress to adopt her husband's surname, I'll just add that there are women in the world - probably many of them - who wouldn't even consider taking the husband's name. (With the possible exception of him also adopting HER surname, so they would both have both of their surnames. It DOES happen.)
I know I have been "like that" ever since I can remember. (And I am probably the ultimate opposite of a male basher.) To me, it's the on5b4ly natural situation. After all, a marriage is not a merger (again, not in MY opinion), but I realise that many consider it just that.

And then, when they divorce, they keep the name.
Life is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

Because they know the probability of them divorcing is very high, and they don't want to always carry the name of the one they divorced.
Famous people divorce all the time.
As to carrying the nameIf you're not famous, it's easy for you to change your name and people will call you by your maiden name. But, if you're famous, people will keep calling you the same.

Well go figure most of the actors don't even use their own first name they change it just like they change a lot of things.I think it is a Hollywood/celebrity thing. Yes I know some women do use their own last name but to say it is "normal" nawwww alot of women take their husband's last name or use their maiden name along with the husband's last name. Did Gena Rowlands remarry?? I keep reading about a man named Robert Forrest and see pictures of him with her at different events.

Yes and no. Eleanor maiden last name was Roosevelt.

Did First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt take her husband Franklin's last name?

Can you imagi5b4ne how many times Liz Taylor would've had to change her stage names!! I can name at least 100 actresses who didn't change their "stage" names but probably did change their last names "in the old days" to their husbands names!!!at least to call themselves "mrs. so and so." in private!! Of course established female stars don't change their professional names to that of their husbands!! Can you imagine Debbie Reynolds as Debbie Fisher, or Brittney Spears as a headliner as Brittney Federline or Madonna as Madonna Ritchie!!!

and of course you are the person to look to for what is proper normal
Namaste, and good luck.

actually most married actresses don't do this since they got famous with they're name and it would be hard to recognize someone like Joanne Newman (ARE they actually married btw?), Elizabeth Burton, Catherine Douglas or Nicole Cruise for the ordinary movie goer who just likes to see a certain vehicle to see a star - imagine "Erin Brockovich starring Julia Moder" HU?
It's not like you have to take the name of your husband when you are getting married even 'normal' wifes don't do this.