Legendary Composer Lalo Schifrin, Creator of "Mission: Impossible" Theme, Dies at 93

By Ann Tate | June 27, 2025

Photo by Alexandra Spürk (Alexi) - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, via wikimedia commons

Renowned Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for creating the iconic Mission: Impossible theme, has passed away at the age of 93, according to multiple media outlets.

His son, William Schifrin, confirmed the composer’s death, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Schifrin’s agent has yet to issue a formal public statement.

A Storied Legacy in Hollywood and Beyond

Lalo Schifrin's music defined an era of film and television. He composed scores for dozens of Hollywood productions, including the 1967 classic Cool Hand Luke and the 1979 horror hit The Amityville Horror. Throughout his career, he earned six Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and won four Grammy Awards.

Perhaps his most enduring contribution to pop culture is the instantly recognizable "Mission: Impossible" theme, first composed for the 1966 CBS television series. Set in an unconventional 5/4 time signature, the theme became a groundbreaking piece of TV scoring and has lived on through the blockbuster Mission: Impossible film franchise, which continues to captivate audiences nearly 60 years later.

Honored for a Lifetime of Musical Achievement

In 2018, Schifrin was honored with an Honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The award was presented by his longtime collaborator and friend Clint Eastwood, with whom he worked on numerous films including Dirty Harry, Sudden Impact, and Cool Hand Luke.

His unique blend of jazz, classical, and Latin American influences gave his compositions a signature sound that helped elevate film scoring into a form of high art.

A Loss Felt Worldwide

Fans, musicians, and filmmakers around the globe are mourning the loss of a composer whose work helped shape the emotional landscape of modern cinema. Tributes are pouring in across social media, celebrating Schifrin’s vast contributions to film, television, and music history.

As one of the most respected and influential film composers of the 20th century, Lalo Schifrin’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists, musicians, and audiences alike.