**Legendary Composer Lalo Schifrin Passes Away at 93**

**Lalo Schifrin, renowned for his innovative contributions to film scores, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His passing, surrounded by family, is mourned by fans and colleagues alike.**

Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, whose distinctive percussive and jazzy style made him a household name, has sadly passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by his family. His son, Ryan Schifrin, shared the news, citing complications from pneumonia as the cause of his father’s death on Thursday, in a statement released to CBS, a partner of BBC US.

Schifrin’s remarkable career spanned over sixty years, yielding more than 100 compositions for film and television. He was celebrated for his exceptional work, receiving six Oscar nominations and winning four Grammy Awards, three of which were for his iconic composition of the “Mission: Impossible” theme in 1966. The theme has continued to resonate through modern iterations, updated for the blockbuster film series starring Tom Cruise.

His family expressed gratitude to the public for their heartfelt support during this time. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hailed Schifrin as a musical genius, stating that his compositions captivated audiences with tension and excitement. "We will forever celebrate the composer who transformed rhythm into thrill," they conveyed in a tribute on X.

Schifrin’s extensive portfolio reveals his versatility as a composer, pianist, and conductor, with notable scores for films like “Cool Hand Luke” and “Dirty Harry”. In 2018, he was honored with a lifetime achievement Oscar presented by Clint Eastwood, who praised Schifrin's originality and significant influence in film music. In his acceptance speech, Schifrin remarked that composing for film had granted him a "lifetime of joy and creativity," referring to the award as "a Mission: Accomplished."

Born in Buenos Aires into a musically gifted family, Schifrin began classical piano studies in his youth, later moving to Paris to immerse himself in jazz. He performed alongside eminent musicians including Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald before establishing his career in Hollywood. Schifrin’s trailblazing style combined jazz with classical and pop influences, creating sounds that set him apart.

His beloved "Mission: Impossible" theme is particularly noted for its unique 5/4 time signature—designed to evoke a sense of humor within an adventurous narrative. This tune has become a defining anthem for one of cinema’s most successful franchises, with the latest release, “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning,” grossing over $540 million worldwide.