Robert Towne, Oscar-winning writer of 'Chinatown' dies aged 89

Robert Towne, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Chinatown," considered by many to be one of the best screenplays ever written, has died at the age of 89.

Towne, who was also nominated for his films "Shampoo" and "The Last Detail" died on Monday in his Los Angeles home surrounded by family members, his publicist, Carri McClure, told AFP. In 1997, he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Writers Guild of America. Several classics such as "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Godfather" benefited from Towne's input, even though his contributions were left uncredited.

He did receive a shout-out from the Oscars stage for "The Godfather" when Francis Ford Coppola accepted the best screenplay prize and offered "credit where it is due."

Baha Breaking News (BBN) / KA