Who Is Robert Towne? Age, Biography and Wiki
Robert Towne was born on November 23, 1934, in Los Angeles, California. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 91st birthday. Towne is celebrated as an iconic American screenwriter, producer, director, and actor, best known for his work on classic films such as Chinatown, The Last Detail, and Shampoo. His literary prowess earned him an Academy Award, making him one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 23, 1934 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 July, 2024 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Robert Towne's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact statistics may vary, Robert Towne's height is often noted at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Given his age, his weight may have fluctuated over the years, but it was generally around 160 pounds (72 kg) during his active years in the film industry. As an older adult, he would be regarded for his engaging personality rather than his physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his illustrious life, Robert Towne has maintained a relatively private personal life. He was previously married to actress Julie Payne. Following his separation, Towne has been known to engage in various romantic relationships but has not publicly disclosed details about his current boyfriend or girlfriend. For Robert, his focus appears to have shifted toward his family and his enduring career in film.
He grew up in San Pedro and Rolling Hills and attended Chadwick School. His family was Jewish, and had emigrated from Romania on his father's side and Russia on his mother's. He had a younger brother, Roger, who co-wrote the 1984 film The Natural starring Robert Redford.
Net Worth and Salary
As a prominent figure in Hollywood with a career spanning several decades, Robert Towne has amassed a significant net worth. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $60 million. This wealth stems from his successful screenwriting, producing, and directing roles, alongside various investments in the film industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Towne's career began in the early 1960s, quickly making a name for himself thanks to his sharp dialogue and compelling narratives. His film Chinatown (1974) became a cinematic masterpiece and a benchmark for neo-noir films. Over the years, he also ventured into directing, producing, and acting, contributing significantly to the development of modern cinema.
In addition to his artistic contributions, Robert has also made savvy investments in real estate and film production, further solidifying his financial independence and legacy in the film industry.
Towne wrote and won an Academy Award for Roman Polanski's Chinatown (1974); starring Jack Nicholson, widely considered one of the greatest screenplays ever written, as well as its sequel, The Two Jakes (1990). For Hal Ashby, he penned the comedy-dramas The Last Detail (1973) and Shampoo (1975).
He collaborated with Tom Cruise on the films Days of Thunder (1990), The Firm (1993) and the first two installments of the Mission: Impossible franchise (1996, 2000).
Social Network
Robert Towne has remained somewhat reserved concerning social media. However, he is known to communicate through various film festivals and industry events, maintaining connections with fans and fellow filmmakers. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of screenwriters and directors who cherish authentic storytelling.
Towne did uncredited work on the scripts for Drive, He Said (1971), directed by Jack Nicholson; Cisco Pike (1972), which Towne said turned into "a pretty good movie" but where he got "so angry with the director" he took his name off; and The New Centurions (1972), where he was to share credit with Stirling Silliphant but asked for his name to be taken off after he saw the film.
Education
Towne studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he honed his writing and filmmaking skills. His academic background, combined with his impressive work ethic, laid the foundation for his successful career in Hollywood.
He graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California, studying philosophy and literature. After college, Towne served in the U.S. Army before doing odd jobs including working as a tuna fisherman.
