John Stanley Wojtowicz (March 9, 1945 - January 2, 2006) was an American bank robber. He was born in New York City to Polish immigrants. Dog Day Afternoon is based on a robbery he did in New York City in 1972.. Three documentaries have been made about him. Wojtowicz died of cancer on January 2, 2006 at his mother's home in New York City.