What Staccato star John Cassavetes and his wife talk about most in those quiet hours before sleep is baby Nicholas David Rowlands, born last May 23. The Rowlands is for his pretty mom, drama star Gena R., who met John at an acting class, married him six years ago. John, the first to admit he "couldn't live without her", praises not her obvious beauty but her loyalty and even disposition; she's "contained", is the way he puts it. A native New Yorker, John's 29, considers Staccato his biggest break not only because he's part owner of the series but because he's allowed to direct some episodes. He and Gena once ran an acting school in New York; now along with their goodnight kisses is mixed talk of starting another in Hollywood. John says of Gena: "I couldn't live without her."