Lalo Schifrin, composer of Mission: Impossible theme, dies at 93

Legendary film and television composer Lalo Schifrin has died at the age of 93. He passed away on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, due to complications from pneumonia, confirmed by his son William Schifrin.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1932, Schifrin rose to global fame through his fusion of classical music, jazz, and Latin rhythms. Best known for composing the instantly recognizable Mission: Impossible theme, his work reshaped the sound of 20th-century Hollywood and beyond.

The Mission: Impossible theme, written in an unconventional 5/4 time signature, debuted in the 1966 television series and became even more iconic through the blockbuster film franchise starring Tom Cruise. Its suspenseful rhythm remains one of the most enduring in pop culture.

Schifrin earned six Academy Award nominations and won four Grammy Awards, and was honored with an Honorary Oscar in 2018 for his lifetime contributions to film music. His vast filmography includes Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Cool Hand Luke, Enter the Dragon, and The Amityville Horror.

In addition to his film work, Schifrin collaborated with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and conducted world-class orchestras including the London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic. His musical influence extended to modern artists, with his compositions sampled in hip-hop and electronica.

Schifrin is survived by his wife, Donna, their three children, and four grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the countless scenes and soundtracks he helped define.