By Chicago Times Magazine –

June 27, 2025

Lalo Schifrin, the acclaimed Argentine-American composer, pianist, arranger, and conductor, passed away on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1932, Schifrin was a prodigious musical talent from a young age, steeped in both classical music and jazz. His career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of film and television music with his distinctive fusion of jazz, classical, and Latin American elements.

Schifrin is perhaps most widely recognized for his iconic “Mission: Impossible” theme, a propulsive and instantly recognizable composition that debuted on the TV series in 1966 and continued to define the Tom Cruise-led film franchise. His extensive body of work includes scores for over 100 films and numerous television shows, earning him six Academy Award nominations, four Grammy Awards, and an honorary Oscar in 2018 for his lifetime contributions to film scoring.

Among his many notable film scores was his work on the 1970 war film Kelly’s Heroes, further showcasing his versatility and impact on cinematic soundscapes. Other celebrated compositions include the themes for Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Enter the Dragon, Starsky & Hutch, and Cool Hand Luke.

Schifrin’s music was characterized by its urban edge, improvisational energy, and rhythmic complexity, often elevating the scenes they accompanied. He was known for his commitment to musical integrity and experimentation. Lalo Schifrin’s groundbreaking compositions will continue to thrill, surprise, and inspire generations to come.