Who’s Still Alive From ‘Chinatown’?
The death of Diane Ladd on October 3, 2025, at the age of 89, has left fans eager to dip back into the legendary screen actress’ body of work, including Roman Polanski‘s Chinatown. Soon after its June 20, 1974 released, Chinatown was hailed as a masterpiece of neo-noir filmmaking and remains one of the most acclaimed movies of the 1970s. The Robert Towne-penned film, which won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, followed the story of private investigator Jake Gittes as he unraveled a dark conspiracy of corruption and family secrets in 1930s Los Angeles. While many of its stars have since passed away, a few familiar faces are still with us. Here’s a look at the surviving cast members today:
Jack Nicholson (88)
J. J. “Jake” Gittes
Everett Collection; Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Nicholson’s portrayal of Jake Gittes remains one of the defining performances of his career, cementing him as one of the great leading men of his generation. He went on to star in classics like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Shining and Terms of Endearment, winning three Academy Awards along the way. In recent years, Nicholson has largely stepped away from acting, with his last film credit in 2010’s How Do You Know. He now keeps a very private life in Los Angeles, occasionally appearing at Lakers games or special events. In February 2025, he made a rare public appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special.
Faye Dunaway (84)
Evelyn Cross Mulwray
Everett Collection; Victor Boyko/Getty Images
Dunaway became a defining figure of 1970s Hollywood, with acclaimed roles in Bonnie and Clyde, Network and Mommie Dearest. She continues to make occasional public appearances. In 2024, she attended the Cannes Film Festival with her son, Jack Dunaway, where she was celebrated as one of cinema’s enduring icons. That same year, an HBO documentary titled Faye explored her career and life in her own words.
In Memoriam
Diane Ladd, who played Ida Sessions, passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 89. A three-time Academy Award nominee, Ladd appeared in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, and shared the screen with her daughter, Laura Dern, in Wild at Heart and Enlightened. Her passing was announced by Dern, who said she died peacefully at home in Ojai, California.
John Huston, who played Noah Cross, died on August 28, 1987, at age 81 from complications from emphysema, exacerbated by pneumonia.
Perry Lopez, who portrayed Lieutenant Lou Escobar, died on February 14, 2008, at age 79 from lung cancer.
John Hillerman, who played Russ Yelburton, died on November 9, 2017, at age 84 from cardiovascular disease.
Darrell Zwerling, who portrayed Hollis Mulwray, died on April 11, 2014, at age 85.
Where to Watch Chinatown
Chinatown is available to stream on Paramount+ and for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital platforms. It also often played on Flix, Showtime or The Movie Channel.
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