‘X-Files’ composer Mark Snow dies at 78 in Connecticut

Mark Snow, Emmy-nominated composer of The X-Files, Blue Bloods and more, has died at 78 at his Connecticut home.

Mark Snow, the Emmy-nominated television composer best known for creating the iconic theme for The X-Files, has died at the age of 78. He passed away Friday at his home in Connecticut, according to the Film Music Society.

Snow, born Martin Fulterman, was one of television’s most prolific and influential composers. Over his decades-long career, he scored more than 200 episodes of The X-Files, along with its two feature films. His eerie, minimalist theme for the series became a surprise chart hit in the 1990s, reaching the top 10 in several European countries.

In addition to The X-Files, Snow composed music for hit shows including Blue Bloods, Ghost Whisperer, Smallville, Hart to Hart, and T.J. Hooker. He was nominated for 15 Emmy Awards, with recognition for his work on miniseries like Something About Amelia and Helter Skelter.

Trained at Juilliard, Snow began his music career in the 1970s, transitioning from orchestral to electronic scores. He was known for creating entire soundtracks in his home studio using synthesizers and samplers—an innovation that shaped modern TV scoring.

Snow also worked on French director Alain Resnais’ final four films, earning a César Award nomination in 2007 for Private Fears in Public Places. His film credits include Ernest Saves Christmas, Crazy in Alabama, and The New Mutants.

He received ASCAP’s Golden Note Award in 2005 and a Television Academy Career Achievement Award in 2014.

Mark Snow is survived by his wife, Glynnis, three daughters, and grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the unforgettable music that defined generations of television storytelling.