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

Screenwriter Robert Towne died surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles (Jim Cooper/AP File)

Robert Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer whose work on Chinatown became a model of the art form and helped define the jaded allure of his native Los Angeles, has died aged 89.

Towne, screenplay writer of Shampoo, The Last Detail and other acclaimed films, died on Monday surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, Carri McClure, his publicist, said. She declined to comment on any cause of death.