The world of music has lost a true legend. Lalo Schifrin—the Argentine-born maestro behind some of the most iconic soundtracks in film and TV history—has passed away at the age of 93.
His son, Ryan, confirmed that he died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday, surrounded by family, after battling complications from pneumonia.
The Mind Behind Mission: Impossible
Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve definitely heard his work.
That unforgettable, pulse-quickening theme from Mission: Impossible? That was all Schifrin.
It became a hallmark of action and suspense for decades, not just on TV but in the long-running blockbuster movie series starring Tom Cruise.
Funny enough, the iconic theme wasn’t even what he originally composed for the show.
Schifrin recalled that he had written a different piece at first, but the producer, Bruce Geller, had his heart set on another cue Schifrin had crafted for an action scene.
So he was asked to make something bold, exciting—something with a fuse.
And just like that, music history was made.
From Argentina to Hollywood Royalty
Born Boris Claudio Schifrin in Buenos Aires to a Jewish family, he grew up surrounded by classical music—his father was a concertmaster for the philharmonic.
He trained rigorously, even studying law at one point, but his heart was always in music.
After a stint at the Paris Conservatory where he studied under Olivier Messiaen, Schifrin returned to Argentina to form a concert band.
It was jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie who spotted his talent early on and brought him to the U.S., making him his pianist, arranger, and composer in the early ’60s.
From there, Schifrin’s career soared.
A Legacy Spanning Genres and Generations
Schifrin was that rare composer who moved seamlessly between jazz, classical, and Hollywood blockbusters.
He wrote scores for more than 100 films and TV shows.
Some of his most celebrated work includes Cool Hand Luke, The Amityville Horror, The Sting II, and Rush Hour—yes, even Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker benefited from Schifrin’s genius.
He wasn’t just a composer either. He conducted the world’s leading orchestras—from the London Symphony to the Israel Philharmonic—and he worked with stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughan, as well as classical heavyweights like Zubin Mehta and Mstislav Rostropovich.
When Hollywood Came Calling
As Mission: Impossible transitioned from television to the big screen, director Brian De Palma insisted on keeping Schifrin’s iconic music intact.
This led to a bit of drama: John Williams originally wanted to write a new theme, but was replaced by Danny Elfman, who kept Schifrin’s piece.
Even later composers like Hans Zimmer and Michael Giacchino stuck to the spirit of the original.
Giacchino even met Schifrin for lunch before taking on the job, saying it felt like “asking a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage.”
Schifrin’s advice? “Just have fun with it.”
More Than Just the Theme Guy
Beyond Mission: Impossible, Schifrin won four Grammy Awards and was nominated six times for an Oscar.
He earned accolades for The Fox, Voyage of the Damned, and Dirty Harry.
And get this—he even chose to give the musical spotlight to Dirty Harry’s villain, Scorpio, because the character had more psychological depth.
In 2018, Clint Eastwood personally handed Schifrin an honorary Oscar, recognizing his decades of work.
With a smile, Schifrin said, “It is mission accomplished.”
A Global Musical Force
Schifrin’s influence went far beyond Hollywood.
He wrote the music for the epic 1990 World Cup finale in Italy, where The Three Tenors performed together for the first time—an event that became one of the best-selling classical recordings ever.
He also composed a Nahuatl-language choral symphony, Songs of the Aztecs, performed near the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan.
That wasn’t just music; it was history and culture woven together in one magical moment.
A Humble Genius Who Let the Music Speak
Despite all his awards and achievements, Schifrin always insisted that music must serve the story.
“There are no rules to write music for movies,” he once said. “The movie dictates what the music will be.”
He combined tango, jazz, folk, and classical in ways that felt effortless.
His album Letters from Argentina even earned a Latin Grammy nomination.
Family, Music, and a Life Well Lived
Lalo Schifrin is survived by his wife, Donna, his sons Ryan and William, and his daughter Frances.
He leaves behind not just a towering musical legacy, but a philosophy of fearlessly blending genres and following instinct.
As the film world continues to use his themes and celebrate his melodies, Schifrin’s music lives on—not just in cinemas and concert halls, but in every heartbeat that races when that iconic Mission: Impossible beat kicks in.
Farewell to a Legend
Schifrin’s passing marks the end of an era, but also the continuation of a legacy that refuses to fade.
His melodies were bold. His harmonies were daring. And his spirit? Unforgettable.