Lalo Schifrin, Composer of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Theme, Passes Away at 93

Lalo Schifrin, the Grammy-winning composer best known for creating the iconic theme for the ‘Mission: Impossible’ TV series, has died at the age of 93. His son, Ryan Schifrin, confirmed that the Argentine musician passed away on Thursday due to complications from pneumonia. With a career spanning over six decades, Schifrin composed more than 100 film and TV soundtracks. He was nominated for six Academy Awards and won four Grammy Awards, three of which were for the ‘Mission: Impossible’ theme. This theme, originally composed for the 1966 TV series, was later updated for the popular Tom Cruise film franchise. Schifrin’s unique style, which blended jazz with classical and contemporary elements, made him a respected figure in Hollywood. His notable contributions also included scores for films like ‘Dirty Harry’, ‘Cool Hand Luke’, and ‘The Amityville Horror’. In 2018, Schifrin received an honorary Oscar, recognizing his lifetime achievements in film music. Born in Buenos Aires, Schifrin’s early musical influences came from his classical piano training, and later, his jazz career took him across the globe, performing alongside legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. His famous ‘Mission: Impossible’ theme was written in a 5/4 time signature, incorporating a touch of humor and lightness. Schifrin’s legacy as a pioneer of film music will continue to inspire future generations of composers.