Today, the film industry bids farewell toone of its most revered screenwriters,Robert Towne, who passed away on Monday at his Los Angeles home at the age of 89. Known for his Oscar-winning script for the 1974 classicChinatown, Towne’s work has long been considered the gold standard in screenwriting. Towne’s career was a testament to the power of the pen. His nuanced takes on Los Angeles were etched with melancholy, portraying the city as a place of both beauty and profound sadness.InChinatownandShampoo, characters like gumshoe J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) and Beverly Hills hairdresser George Roundy (Warren Beatty) navigate a city that dashes their hopes, leaving them alone in the end.
Born Robert Bertram Schwartz on July 21, 2025, in San Pedro, Towne’s journey into the world of screenwriting began after he attended Pomona College. He met Nicholson while studying acting with blacklisted actorJeff Corey, forming a lifelong professional relationship. Towne’s first screenplay was forRoger Corman’sLast Woman on Earth(1960), marking the beginning of a prolific career.
Throughout his career, Towne frequently collaborated with Hollywood heavyweights. He worked with Beatty again onLove Affair(1994) andwith Nicholson onThe Two Jakes(1990), the much-anticipated sequel toChinatown. Although the sequel did not meet the critical acclaim of its predecessor, it demonstrated Towne’s enduring influence in the industry. Towne also penned scripts for blockbuster hits likeThe Firm(1993) andDays of Thunder(1990), both starringTom Cruise. His work on the first twoMission: Impossiblefilms, released in 1996 and 2000, cemented his status as a versatile and sought-after screenwriter.
Robert Towne Was One of Hollywood’s Finest Script Doctors
Towne was also highly regarded for his work as a script doctor. He contributed the iconic garden scene inThe Godfather(1972) and played a crucial role in other films likeBonnie and Clyde(1967). WhenThe GodfatherdirectorFrancis Ford Coppolaaccepted the Oscar for best screenplay, he thanked Towne from the stage. Similarly, Towne was credited as a “special consultant” onBonnie and Clydeafter Beatty, the star and producer, sought his expertise.
Towne’s work extended beyond the silver screen. In 2017, Vulture ranked him third on its list of the 100 Best Screenwriters of All Time, only behindBilly Wilderand theCoen Brothers. His ability to construct ornate yet compact screenplays and write dialogue that conveyed rich, complex meanings made him a legend in his field.
Just two weeks ago, Collider’sSteve Weintraubwas fortunate enough to speak with the great man, where they reflected on his immense achievements. As we reflect on Robert Towne’s illustrious career, we are reminded of the magic he brought to the screen. His stories will remain timeless treasures of cinema.
