In addition to *Mission: Impossible*, Schifrin contributed to *The Cincinnati Kid* (1965) and *Bullitt* (1968)—both starring Steve McQueen—as well as Clint Eastwood’s *Dirty Harry* (1971).
Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, widely regarded as one of the most significant film score writers of his time and famously known for composing the iconic theme song of *Mission: Impossible*, passed away at age 93, according to multiple U.S.-based news outlets reporting on Thursday.
According to his sons Ryan and William, Schifrin passed away in the morning.
Schifrin, residing in the United States, was not only a composer but also an accomplished pianist and conductor.
Included among his other notable films are *The Cincinnati Kid* (1965) and *Bullitt* (1968), both starring Steve McQueen; Paul Newman’s *Cool Hand Luke* (1968); and Clint Eastwood’s *Dirty Harry* (1971).
However, his composition for the 1960s "Mission: Impossible" TV show—on which the major motion picture franchise featuring Tom Cruise was based—is likely his best-known piece.
Classical music background
Schifrin was born in Buenos Aires in 1932; his father served as the concertmaster of the city’s Philharmonic Orchestra. While early encounters with classical music influenced him greatly, during his teenage years he developed a strong passion for jazz—an interest he would eventually blend masterfully with classical elements, forming a distinctive feature of his work in film and TV scores.
Known in his youth as someone who smoked a pipe, and later recognized by his signature spectacles and flowing white hair, Schifrin received an Academy Honorary Award in 2018, which was bestowed upon him by Clint Eastwood in recognition of his lifelong contributions to film music.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
John Silk (contributing with AFP, Reuters, dpa)