Lalo Schifrin, who wrote endlessly catchy Mission: Impossible theme, dead at 93
Renowned composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for his iconic theme for Mission: Impossible, passed away at the age of 93. Schifrin’s sons, William and Ryan, confirmed his death to the media. The Argentine composer had a prolific career, winning four Grammys and being nominated for six Oscars for his work on films like Cool Hand Luke and The Sting II.
In a 2018 interview with The Associated Press, Schifrin emphasized the unique relationship between music and film, stating that “the movie dictates what the music will be.” He also highlighted his versatility as a musician, having worked with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and classical icons like Zubin Mehta.
One of Schifrin’s most enduring contributions to popular culture was the theme for Mission: Impossible, written in the distinctive 5/4 time signature. The theme, with its memorable Dum-dum DUM DUM dum-dum DUM DUM pattern, became synonymous with the TV series and later the film franchise starring Tom Cruise. The theme was so infectious that it even made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968.
Schifrin’s musical prowess extended beyond film and television, as he composed the grand finale performance for the World Cup championship in Italy in 1990, featuring the Three Tenors — Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and Jose Carreras — singing together for the first time. The performance became one of the best-selling classical music recordings in history.
In addition to his work on Mission: Impossible, Schifrin composed music for a wide range of films and TV shows, including Dirty Harry, Rush Hour, and Tango. He also conducted numerous orchestras around the world and was recognized with prestigious awards like an honorary Oscar in 2018 and a Latin Grammy in 2017.
Schifrin’s legacy as a composer and conductor will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. His ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres and create emotionally impactful scores solidified his place as one of the most influential composers of his generation. He is survived by his wife, Donna, his sons, William and Ryan, and his daughter, Frances.
