Passing of Acclaimed Screenwriter Robert Towne
Robert Towne, the visionary writer who crafted indelible stories in Chinatown, The Last Detail, and Shampoo, has passed away at 89.
Towne's final breath came peacefully at home on July 1st. While no cause of death has been disclosed, plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later time.
A Lifetime of Cinematic Brilliance
Born Robert Bertram Schwartz, Towne's film debut as a screenwriter marked the 1960 horror Last Woman on Earth, in which he also appeared alongside Betsy Jones-Moreland and Antony Carbone.
His prowess extended to notable television productions and films, including The Lloyd Bridges Show, Breaking Point, Drive... He Said, and Bonnie and Clyde.
Towne's cinematic breakthrough came with The Last Detail (1973), a Hal Ashby-directed dramedy co-penned with Darryl Poniscan. The film, which followed two navy men escorting a young offender to prison, garnered three Academy Award nominations, including a Best Adapted Screenplay nod for Towne. Its cast included Jack Nicholson, Randy Quaid, and Otis Young.
Towne's accolades continued with Chinatown (1974), a Roman Polanski-directed mystery thriller starring Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. The film's intricate screenplay earned Towne an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay the following year.
Throughout his illustrious career, Towne penned scripts for notable films such as Personal Best, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, and Mission: Impossible. His work has left an enduring mark on cinema history.
Beyond Screenwriting
Beyond his screenwriting credits, Towne also produced films like Personal Best, The Bedroom Window, and several episodes of the AMC drama Mad Men.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in Los Angeles, Towne's family moved to San Pedro after his father's dress shop closed during the Great Depression, prompting a name change to Towne.
Towne's love for writing and passion for movies blossomed at an early age. A stint working on a tuna boat later shaped his perspective, drawing parallels between writing and fishing. In Towne's own words, I've identified fishing with writing... Each script is like a trip that you're taking—and you are fishing.
Legacy and Recognition
Towne's contributions to the film industry were honored in 1997 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Writers Guild of America.
He is survived by his wife, Luisa, and daughters Chiara and Katharine.
Robert Towne's brilliant storytelling and unforgettable characters have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and captivate audiences for years to come.
