Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, celebrated for his iconic "Mission: Impossible" theme, has died at the age of 93. His son Ryan Schifrin reported that he passed away due to pneumonia complications on Thursday, according to a statement shared with CBS. Schifrin's groundbreaking style, characterized by rhythmically complex jazz and percussive elements, marked a career that spanned over sixty years, in which he composed for more than 100 films and television shows.
Schifrin was nominated for six Oscars throughout his illustrious career and won four Grammy Awards, earning three of those for his famous theme for the "Mission: Impossible" television series in 1966, which he later updated for the successful Tom Cruise film adaptations. In a message posted after his passing, Schifrin's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and noted that he "passed peacefully" surrounded by loved ones.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Schifrin's creative genius, acknowledging his ability to build tension and ignite excitement through music. They shared, "We'll forever remember the composer who turned every beat into a thrill, and every silence into suspense.” As a prolific musician, Schifrin also made significant contributions to films like "Cool Hand Luke," "Dirty Harry," "The Amityville Horror," and "The Sting II."
In 2018, he received an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar from Clint Eastwood, who praised him for his "unique musical style" and lasting impact on film scoring. Accepting the award, Schifrin remarked that his work had brought him “a lifetime of joy and creativity,” declaring it a "Mission: Accomplished." Born in Buenos Aires, Schifrin was immersed in music from childhood, later honing his craft in Paris and then moving to America, where he fused jazz with various genres to create a distinctive cinematic sound.
His most famous "Mission: Impossible" melody, crafted in an unusual 5/4 time signature, aimed to introduce an element of fun into the theme, which, unbeknownst to him, would become an enduring anthem for one of the most successful film franchises in history, with "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" recently crossing $540 million in global earnings. Schifrin’s legacy as a revolutionary composer will resonate within the realm of film music for generations to come.
