Movies

Lalo Schifrin, award-winning composer known for ‘Mission: Impossible’ theme, dies at 93

BBG News

Legendary six-time Oscar nominee and renowned composer, Lalo Schifrin, most recognized for his iconic “Mission: Impossible” theme song that earned him a Grammy award, passed away at the age of 93.

On Thursday morning, Schifrin passed away at a hospital in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son Will Schifrin to The Times. It appears he succumbed to the complexities of pneumonia.

Lopez Schifrin, born in Argentina, gained fame for his unique talent to blend jazz, rock, and funk into traditional orchestral music within films, significantly altering cinematic soundscapes. His work on movies like “Cool Hand Luke” (1967), “The Fox” (1967), “Voyage of the Damned” (1976), “The Amityville Horror” (1979) and “The Sting II” (1983) earned him recognition. In 2018, Schifrin was bestowed an honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Throughout his career in Hollywood, Schifrin composed over a hundred themes for films and television. His work spans various projects like the movies “Dirty Harry” (1971), “THX 1138” (1971), “Enter the Dragon” (1973) from the “Rush Hour” series, and TV shows such as “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “Starsky and Hutch”.

Movies

On Sunday night, several influential figures in Hollywood will assemble at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles for the Governors Awards ceremony hosted by the Motion Picture Academy. This event serves to acknowledge filmmaking legends for their lifelong impact on cinema and, for those vying for an Oscar, it’s a crucial early milestone along the awards season journey.

In 2018, Schifrin shared with The Times that he learned to adapt like a chameleon in motion pictures. He explained that the true creators behind the scenes are the screenwriter, director, and producer, and as such, he adapts and does whatever is required of him to contribute to their vision.

In 2011, Schifrin humbly referred to himself as just a “music creator.” Although the memorable theme for the spy series “Mission: Impossible” is one of his most recognized compositions, Schifrin mentioned in an interview with The Times in 2016 that “it was merely part of my job.

Speaking about his work, Schifrin expressed that he put forth his utmost effort in all he accomplished. He admits that it may not be a masterpiece, but he is satisfied with it. If people appreciate and even embrace it, that’s fantastic. However, such responses are not common.

1932 saw the birth of Schifrin in Buenos Aires, where music played a significant role from his early days. His father, Luis, held the position of concert master for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Buenos Aires at Teatro Colón. At the tender age of five, it was a movie outing with his grandmother that sparked his fascination with music. The chilling background score in the horror film they watched intensified its eerie effect on him.

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Entertainment & Arts

Lalo Schifrin, an Argentine composer famous for creating the energetic, catchy theme tune for “Mission: Impossible,” along with iconic film scores like those of “Bullitt,” “Cool Hand Luke” and “Dirty Harry,” has announced his retirement from composing movie music.

At age six, Schifrin started learning piano under Enrique Barenboim, who was Daniel Barenboim’s father – a renowned pianist and conductor. As a young teenager, he stumbled upon and developed an affinity for modern American jazz. On the advice of one of his mentors, he applied for a scholarship to study at the Paris Conservatory. While attending the conservatory, he earned extra income by performing at jazz clubs.

Following his arrival back in Buenos Aires, Schifrin established his own jazz ensemble to play live shows and on television. Over time, he encountered the renowned American jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, who extended an invitation for him to collaborate in the United States. In 1963, while working alongside Gillespie after relocating to New York City, Schifrin received an opportunity in Hollywood.

In 2011, as shared with The Times, Schifrin’s initial film was titled ‘Rhino.’ Despite having a modest budget, it marked the start of his journey in cinema.

Schifrin is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children, William, Frances and Ryan.

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2025-06-27 02:31

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