Robert Towne- Wiki, Age, Height, Net Worth, Wife, Ethnicity
Isabella Floyd
Published May 12, 2026
Renowned as a skilled screenwriter, producer, director, and actor from the United States, Robert Towne played a pivotal role in the New Hollywood filmmaking movement. He is best known for crafting the Oscar-winning original screenplay for Roman Polanski’s Chinatown (1974), widely acknowledged as one of the greatest scripts in cinematic history. Towne also authored the sequel, The Two Jakes, in 1990, along with the screenplay for Hal Ashby’s comedy dramas The Last Detail (1973) and Shampoo (1975), and the first two Mission: Impossible films. Apart from his writing prowess, he has also directed notable films such as Personal Best (1982), Without Limits (1998), Tequilla Sunrise (1988), and Ask the Dust (2006).
Quick Facts
| Real Name | Robert Towne |
| Nick Name | Robert |
| Date Of Birth | November 23, 1934 |
| Age | 88 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Screenwriter, Producer, Director |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | 64 kg |
| Hair Color | White |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
Robert Towne Age & Early Life
Robert Bertram Schwartz was born on November 23, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, USA. His nationality is American, and he is Jewish. Towne spent his formative years in the coastal town of San Pedro. His rise to prominence began in his early twenties with the creation of a script titled The Last Woman on Earth (1960), which caught the attention of renowned director and producer Roger Corman. Towne’s heritage includes Romanian and Russian roots from his mother’s and father’s sides, respectively, and a family of Jewish descent. Born as Robert Schwartz in San Pedro, Los Angeles, to Helen and Lou Schwartz, his father owned the Towne Smart Shop, a women’s clothing store, and altered the family name to Towne.
Lou later ventured into real estate, relocating the family to the upscale Rolling Hills in Palos Verdes, a gated community where Robert attended the Chadwick School. He has a younger brother, six years his junior, and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in Claremont, California.
Robert Towne Height & Weight
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Robert Towne weighs approximately 64 kg. He possesses white hair and dark brown eyes. Specific details regarding his physique measurements are not available.
Robert Towne’s Net Worth
His net worth as of January 2024 is estimated at $40 million, however, detailed information about his income is unavailable.
Career
By the 1970s, Robert Towne garnered recognition in Hollywood for his exceptional writing skills, earning his initial Oscar nomination and a BAFTA Film Award in 1974 for the film The Last Detail (1973). The following year, he clinched an Oscar for Best Screenplay for Chinatown (1974) along with a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Film Award. He received two more Oscar nominations for Shampoo (1975) and Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984). Towne made his directorial debut with Best (1982), a film for which he also crafted the screenplay, followed by Tequila Sunrise (1988), starring Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer.
His subsequent film, Without Limits (1998), which he co-wrote and directed, enjoyed box office success. Towne also adapted John Fante’s Depression-era book, Ask the Dust (2006), featuring Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek, in addition to directing the film. Towne’s upcoming project includes a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 thriller The 39 Steps. Notable titles in Towne’s filmography include The 39 Steps (2007), Ask the Dust (2006), Without Limits (1998), Tequila Sunrise (1988), and Personal Best (1982).
Robert Towne Wife & Marriage
Robert Towne was previously married to actress Julie Payne (November 1997-1982), with whom he shares a daughter, Katherine Towne. He is also the former father-in-law of Charlie Hunnam. Since October 17, 1984, Towne has been married to Luisa Gaule, with whom he has a child. His current marriage brings him great happiness.
