Oscar-winning composer dies

Oscar winning composer Jerry Goldsmith, who created the memorable music for scores of classic movies and television shows ranging from the Star Trek and Planet of the Apes series to The Man from UNCLE and Perry Mason, has died, aged 75.

Goldsmith died in his sleep last night at his Beverly Hills home after a long battle with cancer, said Lois Carruth, his personal assistant.

A classically-trained composer and conductor, Goldsmith’s award-dappled Hollywood career – he was nominated for 17 Academy Awards, won one, and also took home five Emmys – spanned nearly half a century.

He crafted an astonishing number of TV and movie scores that have become classics in their own right. From the clarions of Patton to the syrupy theme for TV’s The Waltons, Goldsmith sometimes seemed virtually synonymous with soundtracks.

He took on action hits such as Total Recall, which he considered one of his best scores, as well as the Star Trek movies and more lightweight fare, like his most recent movie theme, for last year’s Looney Tunes: Back in Action.

Goldsmith’s output also spilled into television, with the themes for shows including Dr Kildare, Barnaby Jones and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He won his Oscar for best original score in 1976 for The Omen. He also earned five Emmy Awards and was nominated for nine Golden Globe awards, though he never won one.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, four children, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.