When did Lalo Schifrin write Mission Impossible? Influential theme composer’s career explored as he dies at 93

Lalo Schifrin, the legendary composer known for his soundtrack catalog of some of Hollywood’s most revered films and television shows, including the theme for Mission: Impossible, has died at 93.

His son, Ryan Schifrin, confirmed that the six-time Oscar nominee died of pneumonia in Los Angeles on Thursday. Schifrin’s career stretched more than six decades and left a lasting mark on the worlds of music and popular culture.

Lalo Schifrin was born Boris Claudio Schifrin on June 21, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and he was surrounded by music from an early age. According to Hollywood Reporter, his father, a violinist for the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, ensured that he was classically trained to the highest standards.

One of Lalo Schifrin’s most famous works includes the Mission: Impossible theme, which is famous for its 5/4 rhythm. The theme was composed in 1966 for the popular CBS spy show at that time. The theme got Schifrin one of his four Grammy awards as well as an even an Emmy nomination (Hollywood Reporter).

But as a teenager, Schifrin supposedly stumbled upon jazz, a style that would greatly influence his career. Studying with composer Olivier Messiaen at the Paris Conservatory, Schifrin then returned to Argentina, where he formed his jazz band and began composing for radio and television.

"I had a double life... I would study at the Conservatory during the day and play in jazz bands at night in places like the Club Saint-Germain." He told The Telegraph.

A look into Lalo Schifrin's successful career and legacy

His big break came in 1958 when jazz great Dizzy Gillespie invited him to the US after listening to his performances (IMDB). Schifrin’s blend of jazz and classical influences quickly made its way to Hollywood.

By the mid ’60s, Schifrin was one of Hollywood’s most in-demand composers. He even scored the Bullitt (1968) soundtrack, including the legendary car chase music, and appeared behind the camera to present the themes of Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry series.

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Schifrin’s versatility extended beyond film. He wrote memorable TV themes for Starsky & Hutch, Mannix, and Medical Center, mixing jazz, orchestral, and electronic sounds. In his later years, he wrote for films such as Rush Hour (1998) and Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon (1973), at Lee’s request.

During his career, Lalo Schifrin accumulated six Oscar nods, four Grammy wins, and a 2018 honorary Academy Award. He also held guest stints conducting leading orchestras across the world, from the London Philharmonic to the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

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