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Robert Towne, the celebrated American screenwriter and director, passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday. His publicist Carrie McClure confirmed the news in a statement to various media outlets, including Variety. Towne died at his residence in Los Angeles, although the cause of death was not specified.
Beginning his career in 1960, Towne wrote the screenplay for and acted in the film ‘Last Woman on Earth’, directed by Roger Corman, a renowned filmmaker who discovered talents like Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro. Towne collaborated with Corman once more a year later on ‘Creature from the Haunted Sea’, and also continued his acting career in a few other films.
However, Towne was predominantly known as a screenwriter. Often working as a ghostwriter without receiving credit, he contributed to films such as Marathon Man and Heaven Can Wait.
Passing of Robert Towne
His exceptional talent for screenwriting led him to pen memorable films like ‘The Last Detail’ (1973), ‘Shampoo’ (1975), and ‘Chinatown’ (1974). ‘Chinatown’, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, earned Towne an Oscar and a Golden Globe for best original screenplay.
In addition to his success in film, Towne also worked in television on projects such as ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘The Lloyd Bridges Show.’ He served as a consultant and screenwriter on the film ‘Bonnie and Clyde,’ and was acknowledged by Francis Ford Coppola for his contribution to a key scene in ‘The Godfather.’
While Towne did not achieve the same level of success as a director, with films like ‘Personal Best’ and ‘Tequila Sunrise’, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Writers Guild of America in 1997.
His more recent works include the first two films in the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise, the film ‘Ask the Dust’ (2006), and the series ‘Welcome to the Basement’ (2013-2017).
Robert Towne will be remembered for his immense impact on cinema and his ability to craft scripts that left a lasting impression on the industry.
Remembering Robert Towne: A Legendary Screenwriter and Director
Robert Towne, the acclaimed American screenwriter and director, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89. His publicist Carrie McClure confirmed the news in a statement to various media outlets, including Variety. Towne died at his Los Angeles home, although the cause of his death was not disclosed.
Early Career and Collaborations
Robert Towne began his illustrious career in 1960 by writing the screenplay and acting in the film ‘Last Woman on Earth’ directed by Roger Corman, a renowned figure in Hollywood who also helped launch the careers of Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro. Towne collaborated with Corman once once more a year later on ‘Creature from the Haunted Sea’, and he continued to pursue acting in several more films.
However, Towne’s true talent lay in screenwriting. Despite often working as a ghostwriter without receiving credit, his contributions to films like Marathon Man and Heaven Can Wait were invaluable.
Legacy of Work
Throughout his career, Towne penned unforgettable scripts for movies such as ‘The Last Detail’ (1973), ‘Shampoo’ (1975), and ‘Chinatown’ (1974). ‘Chinatown,’ directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, earned Towne an Oscar and a Golden Globe for best original screenplay.
Besides his success in film, Towne also made significant contributions to television, working on projects like ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘The Lloyd Bridges Show.’ He served as a consultant and screenwriter on ‘Bonnie and Clyde,’ and his work on ‘The Godfather’ was acknowledged by Francis Ford Coppola himself.
Directorial Endeavors and Recognitions
Although Towne’s directorial ventures like ‘Personal Best’ and ‘Tequila Sunrise’ did not meet with the same level of success, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Writers Guild of America in 1997.
In his later years, Towne worked on the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise, directed the film ‘Ask the Dust’ (2006), and was involved in the series ‘Welcome to the Basement’ (2013-2017).
Remembering a Legend
Robert Towne will be remembered for his immense contributions to cinema and his ability to craft scripts that left a lasting impact on the industry. His legacy as a screenwriter and director will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.
