Lalo Schifrin, the legendary composer behind the Mission: Impossible theme and scores for over 100 films and TV shows, has died at the age of 93. His sons, William and Ryan Schifrin, confirmed the devastating news. Widely regarded for blending classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, Schifrin helped define the sound of Hollywood thrillers and action films across multiple decades. Now, many are eager to learn about the circumstances surrounding the death of Lalo Schifrin.
Here’s what we know so far about Lalo Schifrin’s death.
Lalo Schifrin cause of death explained
Lalo Schifrin, the Grammy-winning Argentine composer best known for the Mission: Impossible theme, died on Thursday at age 93 from complications of pneumonia. His sons, William and Ryan Schifrin, confirmed the news to multiple media outlets.
Born Boris Claudio Schifrin in Buenos Aires on June 21, 1932, he trained in classical music. He later studied under Olivier Messiaen at the Paris Conservatory. Inspired by jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Louis Armstrong, he returned to Argentina and formed a big band.
In 1958, Dizzy Gillespie invited him to the U.S. Schifrin then became Gillespie’s pianist and arranger. He composed two acclaimed works during this period: “Gillespiana” and “The New Continent.”
Schifrin scored over 100 films and television shows, including Bullitt (1968), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Dirty Harry (1971), The Amityville Horror (1979), and the 1960s TV series Mission: Impossible, which brought him two Grammy Awards in 1967. The theme was composed in a 5/4 time signature and became a lasting element of the Mission: Impossible film franchise.
He received six Oscar nominations and four Emmy nods throughout his career. In 2018, Clint Eastwood presented him with an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement. “Receiving this honorary Oscar is the culmination of a dream,” Schifrin said at the time. “It is mission accomplished.” (via The Guardian)
He worked with artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and the Three Tenors, and conducted orchestras including the London Symphony and Vienna Symphony. His final symphonic work, “Long Live Freedom,” premiered in Buenos Aires in April 2024.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
