Lalo Schifrin, the Argentine musician considered one of the most influential film composers of his generation and writer for the “Mission: Impossible” theme music, has died at the age of 93, various media across the reported on Thursday.
Schifrin died in the morning, according to his sons Ryan and William.
Schifrin, who lived in the United States, was also a pianist and conductor.
Among his other works are: “The Cincinnati Kid (1965) and “Bullitt” (1968), both with Steve McQueen, Paul Newman’s “Cool Hand Luke” (1968), and Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” (1971).
But his creation for the 1960s “Mission: Impossible” television series — which inspired the theme of the massive film franchise starring Tom Cruise — is arguably his most famous work.
Classical music background
Born in Buenos Aires in 1932, Schifrin’s father was the concertmaster of the capital’s Philharmonic Orchestra. Early exposure to classical music shaped him, but as a teenager, Schifrin became more into jazz, which he later skillfully combined with classical element — a hallmark of his music for film and television.
A pipe-smoker in his younger years and bespectacled with a mane of silver hair later, Schifrin was also given an honorary Oscar, presented by Clint Eastwood, for his lifetime of work in 2018.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
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