Renowned Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, famous for crafting the iconic "Mission: Impossible" theme, has passed away at the age of 93.
Lalo Schifrin, Legendary Composer of "Mission: Impossible," Passes Away at 93
Lalo Schifrin, Legendary Composer of "Mission: Impossible," Passes Away at 93
Lalo Schifrin, acclaimed for his fusion of jazz and classical music, dies due to pneumonia complications, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable film scores.
In a heartfelt announcement, Schifrin's son, Ryan Schifrin, shared that their father died from pneumonia complications on Thursday, with further details relayed to BBC via CBS. Lalo Schifrin was celebrated for his innovative percussive and jazzy style, which characterized a prolific career lasting over sixty years, during which he composed more than 100 soundtracks for films and television.
Schifrin's contributions to the music industry earned him six Academy Award nominations and four Grammy Awards, three of which recognized his famed theme for the original 1966 "Mission: Impossible" TV series, later reworked for the Tom Cruise-led film series. His family announced he "passed peacefully" in the company of loved ones, expressing gratitude for the public’s supportive messages during this time.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Schifrin's "genius," noting his compositions that instilled tension and excitement into cinematic stories. An organization post on X lamented the loss, saying they would always remember the beats he turned into thrilling melodies and the silences that built suspense.
Over his exceptional career, Schifrin became a staple at the Oscars, with scores for notable films such as "Dirty Harry," "The Sting II," and "Cool Hand Luke". In 2018, he was awarded an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar by Clint Eastwood, the star of "Dirty Harry." Eastwood commended Schifrin's unique musical style and significant influence on film scoring. During his acceptance speech, Schifrin proclaimed his lifelong joy in film composition, calling it "Mission: Accomplished."
Born in Buenos Aires into a musical family, Schifrin began classical piano training in childhood and later ventured to Paris to explore jazz, where he performed alongside renowned artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. His move to America saw him blend various musical genres, from jazz to pop, culminating in the unforgettable "Mission: Impossible" theme. Written in a distinctive 5/4 time signature, Schifrin aimed to bring a touch of humor and lightness to the piece, resulting in a melody that has become synonymous with one of cinema's most prosperous franchises — the latest installment, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," grossing over $540 million worldwide.
Schifrin's contributions to the music industry earned him six Academy Award nominations and four Grammy Awards, three of which recognized his famed theme for the original 1966 "Mission: Impossible" TV series, later reworked for the Tom Cruise-led film series. His family announced he "passed peacefully" in the company of loved ones, expressing gratitude for the public’s supportive messages during this time.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Schifrin's "genius," noting his compositions that instilled tension and excitement into cinematic stories. An organization post on X lamented the loss, saying they would always remember the beats he turned into thrilling melodies and the silences that built suspense.
Over his exceptional career, Schifrin became a staple at the Oscars, with scores for notable films such as "Dirty Harry," "The Sting II," and "Cool Hand Luke". In 2018, he was awarded an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar by Clint Eastwood, the star of "Dirty Harry." Eastwood commended Schifrin's unique musical style and significant influence on film scoring. During his acceptance speech, Schifrin proclaimed his lifelong joy in film composition, calling it "Mission: Accomplished."
Born in Buenos Aires into a musical family, Schifrin began classical piano training in childhood and later ventured to Paris to explore jazz, where he performed alongside renowned artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. His move to America saw him blend various musical genres, from jazz to pop, culminating in the unforgettable "Mission: Impossible" theme. Written in a distinctive 5/4 time signature, Schifrin aimed to bring a touch of humor and lightness to the piece, resulting in a melody that has become synonymous with one of cinema's most prosperous franchises — the latest installment, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," grossing over $540 million worldwide.
