Veteran screenwriter Robert Towne died Monday at age 89 at his Los Angeles home, TMZ reports.
The screenwriter best known for winning an Oscar for his script for the 1974 classic “Chinatown” has passed away. according to His publicist, Carrie McClure, confirmed his death on Tuesday, but the cause of death was not disclosed.
Oscar-winning 'Chinatown' screenwriter Robert Towne dies at 89 https://t.co/d5cBVuNUOb
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 2, 2024
Towne's career was marked by his contributions to American cinema, particularly in the 1970s. In addition to “Chinatown,” Towne also wrote the screenplays for “The Last Detail” and “Shampoo,” solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile screenwriter. He was also known for his ability to enhance scripts as he was writing them, a skill that made him one of the most sought-after screenwriters in Hollywood, according to the publication. (RELATED: “Weekend at Bernie's” screenwriter dies at 81)
NANTUCKETT, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Robert Towne attends the “In Their Shoes…” event on day three of the 20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival in Nantucket, Massachusetts on June 26, 2015. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images, courtesy of Nantucket Film Festival)
According to TMZ, notable films that benefited from Towne's expertise include “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Godfather,” where he famously worked on Marlon Brando's garden scene, a contribution that was acknowledged by director Francis Ford Coppola in his Oscar acceptance speech. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Towne continued to make his mark on the film industry with projects such as “Tequila Sunrise,” starring Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer, and “Days of Thunder” and “The Farm,” both featuring Tom Cruise.
According to TMZ, he also has screenwriting credits on the first two Mission: Impossible films. Towne's influence extends beyond the screenplays, as seen in his discussion of the industry and his collaborations with directors like Roman Polanski.
