Remembering Robert Towne: Legendary Screenwriter of Chinatown Dies at 89
Renowned screenwriter Robert Towne, known for his work on films like Chinatown, The Last Detail, and Shampoo, has passed away at the age of 89. Towne passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 1. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and details regarding a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Towne is no more
Born Robert Bertram Schwartz, Towne began his screenwriting career with the 1960 film Last Woman on Earth, where he also acted. He later worked on television shows and films such as The Lloyd Bridges Show, Breaking Point, and Bonnie and Clyde before gaining recognition for The Last Detail in 1973.
His biggest success came with the 1974 film Chinatown, for which he won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Throughout his career, he also wrote for iconic films like Mission: Impossible and Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.
Robert Towne — Early Life
Towne, originally Robert Bertram Schwartz, grew up in Los Angeles and later moved to San Pedro. He developed a love for writing and drew parallels between writing and fishing, which he experienced while working on a tuna boat. In 1997, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Writers Guild of America.
Towne is survived by his wife Luisa Towne and his daughters, Chiara and Katharine.
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