Robert Towne, the legendary Oscar-winning screenwriter known for his masterful work on films like “Chinatown” and “Shampoo,” passed away on July 1, 2024, at the age of 89.
While his contributions to cinema will be remembered for generations to come, questions surrounding his health and illness have left many fans curious.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Towne, acclaimed screenwriter, passed away at his home in Los Angeles at 89, surrounded by family.
- The exact cause of de*th remains undisclosed, but it is said to be from respiratory failure.
- Towne was a long-time cigar smoker, and it is speculated that there might be a possible link between his smoking habits and his final illness.
A Mysterious Illness
According to his publicist Carri McClure, Towne “passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family” Monday at his home in Los Angeles. But, she declined to comment on the specific cause of de*th.
Reports suggest that Towne suffered from respiratory failure after a prolonged illness.
However, without official confirmation, the exact details of his condition remain a mystery.
Nonetheless, we know that throughout his illustrious career, Towne was known for his love for slim cigars.
He was an avid smoker, and many photographs captured the screenwriter with a cigar in hand, a habit that became something of a trademark for the Hollywood legend.
Robert Towne, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind ‘Chinatown’, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. pic.twitter.com/u89mPPJuWH
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 2, 2024
Given this well-documented smoking habit, some have speculated that Towne’s illness may have been related to long-term tobacco use.
Regardless, we cannot determine what he suffered from without official confirmation.
A Life In Cinema
Robert Bertram Schwartz was born in Los Angeles on November 23, 1934, and his love for cinema began early.
His first movie experience was watching “Sergeant York” at age 7. It ignited a passion that would shape his entire life and career.
Followed by hard work and dedication, he journeyed from the blue-collar fishing port of San Pedro to become one of Hollywood’s most respected screenwriters.
His work on “Chinatown” earned him an Academy Award and set a new standard for screenplay writing in the industry.
"If you've ever been on a film that didn't quite work out, you know how much you owe to the people on a film that did."
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) July 3, 2024
Robert Towne accepting the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay (CHINATOWN) at the 47th Academy Awards. pic.twitter.com/58SxavHAbF
Moreover, films like “The Last Detail” and “Shampoo” showcase his talent for blending humor with social commentary.
His legacy will continue to inspire many generations of writers. May he rest in peace!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Robert Towne is survived by his second wife, Luisa, and his daughters, Kathleen and Chiara.
- His ethnicity was mixed: Romanian through his father and Russian through his mother.
- Towne grew up with a younger brother, Roger, who is also a writer.
