Robert Towne, an Oscar-winning screenwriter for several critically acclaimed films, including the iconic 1974 noir thriller 'Chinatown' starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, passed away on Monday, July 1, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89.
His publicist, Carri McClure, confirmed his death on Tuesday, July 2. She did not provide the cause.
In the 1970s, Towne had a very prolific time creating films like 'Shampoo,' starring Warren Beatty, and 'The Last Detail,' featuring Nicholson. He also had a solid reputation as a skilled screenwriter and ghostwriter, having contributed scenes to other films for which he did not receive credit, such as 'The Godfather.'
Towne worked with Tom Cruise on the first two 'Mission: Impossible' films and co-wrote the screenplay for 'The Firm,' starring the actor. Towne, always in demand, wrote Nicholson's 'Chinatown' sequel 'The Two Jakes' and provided advising production services for the Emmy-winning television series 'Mad Men.'
Furthermore, he directed four films, including 1988's 'Tequila Sunrise,' starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell. Towne also wrote the script for that film.
Known for his thick beard and high forehead, Towne was a well-known figure in Hollywood. He was nominated three times for an Academy Award for 'Chinatown,' 'The Last Detail,' and 'Shampoo' and won one for 'The Last Detail.' In 1997, the Writers Guild of America awarded Towne a Lifetime Achievement award.
'Shampoo' actor Lee Grant wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Towne's life, like the characters he created, was intelligent, iconoclastic, and entirely original.
In an interview with Variety earlier this year, Towne said that as a screenwriter, he liked writing for a particular star instead of working on a script without knowing who would be playing the key roles.
He continued that having a real person to write for simply makes his task easier and more enjoyable.
