Robert Towne, the acclaimed screenwriter best known for his Oscar-winning script for “Chinatown,” passed away on Monday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89 years old.
Towne’s death was confirmed by his publicist, Carri McClure. The news marks the end of a career that spanned six decades and left an indelible mark on American cinema.
Born on November 23, 1934, Towne began his career in the early 1960s, writing for television series such as “The Outer Limits” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” However, it was his work in film that would cement his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented writers.
Towne’s breakthrough came with 1973’s “The Last Detail,” a military dramedy starring Jack Nicholson. This success paved the way for his most celebrated work, “Chinatown,” released the following year. The neo-noir thriller, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, earned Towne an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The creation of “Chinatown” was not without its challenges. As recounted by Peter Bart in a 2020 Deadline column, the project faced initial resistance from Paramount Pictures’ production chief Robert Evans. Towne persevered, renting a cabin on Catalina Island to craft the screenplay. The script underwent numerous revisions, with input from Nicholson, Polanski, and Evans, before becoming the critically acclaimed film that would define Towne’s career.
Throughout his career, Towne received three additional Oscar nominations for his screenplays: “The Last Detail” (1973), “Shampoo” (1975), and “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” (1984). He was also recognized with BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Writers Guild of America awards.
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Beyond his original works, Towne gained renown as a script doctor, contributing uncredited rewrites to several classic films. His work on “The Godfather” was particularly notable, with director Francis Ford Coppola acknowledging Towne’s contribution of a pivotal scene between Al Pacino and Marlon Brando during his Oscar acceptance speech.
Towne’s versatility as a writer saw him collaborate with numerous Hollywood icons. He worked frequently with Tom Cruise, penning scripts for the first two “Mission: Impossible” films, “The Firm,” and “Days of Thunder.” He also ventured into directing, helming films such as “Personal Best” (1982) and “Tequila Sunrise” (1988).
In his later years, Towne continued to contribute to the industry, working as a consulting producer on the acclaimed television series “Mad Men.” His final screen credits were for two episodes of the web series “Welcome to the Basement.”
Towne’s impact on American cinema was recognized in 2014 when he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the American Film Institute, presented by longtime collaborator Francis Ford Coppola.
He is survived by two daughters: Katherine, from his marriage to Julie Payne, and Chiara, with his second wife Luisa Gaule.
As the film industry mourns the loss of one of its most gifted writers, Towne’s legacy lives on through the indelible mark he left on cinema history. His ability to craft complex, nuanced stories that resonated with audiences and critics alike ensures that his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
