Robert Townsend may refer to:Robert Townsend (spy) (1753–1838), American spy
Robert Townsend (captain) (1819–1866), United States Navy
Robert Townsend (author) (1920–1998), American author, CEO of Avis Rent a Car
Ed Townsend (swimmer), American swimmer
Rob Townsend, English rock drummer
Robert M. Townsend, professor of economics at MIT
Robert Townsend (actor), American actor, comedian and filmmaker