Oscar-winning screenplay writer of 'Chinatown' fame dies at 89

Robert Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer who's work on Chinatown gained him worldwide respect, has passed away at the age of 89.

His publicist, Carri McClure, said that "Towne died Monday surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles."

She did not disclose any cause of death.

Towne was perhaps most famous for Chinatown, which according to Wikipedia, "is a 1974 American neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski from a screenplay by Robert Towne. The film stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway."

Film lovers everywhere are no doubt having a tough time with Towne's death, as he was one of the most influential men in Hollywood for an entire era.

In 1968, Towne met actress Julie Payne, to whom he was married from 1977 to 1982.

In 1984, Towne married Luisa Gaule, with whom he had one daughter.

Which one of Towne's famous works is your favorite?

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