Symphonic talent Alf Clausen, age 84, succumbs to loss
Esteemed composer Alf Clausen, renowned for his musical contributions to the beloved television series "The Simpsons," has passed away at the age of 84. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Kaarin Clausen, to the Associated Press. Clausen passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday, having battled Parkinson's disease for ten years.
Al Jean, one of the series' original authors, expressed his condolences on social platform X, noting Clausen's rich talent and the significant impact he had on "The Simpsons."
During his impressive career that spanned several decades, Clausen composed nearly 600 musical pieces for "The Simpsons," beginning his tenure with the team in 1990. In the studio, he worked alongside a 35-piece orchestra to bring the music to life. The series' creator, Matt Groening, once praised Clausen as a "treasure" of the show.
Clausen's musical career extended beyond "The Simpsons." He also contributed to a variety of other television series such as "ALF" (1986) and "Moonlighting" (1985, starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd). His work earned him two Emmy Awards, with an additional 30 nominations, 21 of which were specifically for his work on "The Simpsons."
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1941, details about Clausen’s early life and formal education are not extensively documented. However, he relocated to Los Angeles after graduating from Berklee College of Music in 1966. In the 70s, he served as the musical director for several TV variety shows before working as an orchestrator for film composer Lee Holdridge.
Holdridge's assignment to compose for "Moonlighting" was ultimately passed on to Clausen, marking a significant career milestone. This opportunity led to six Emmy nominations for the series alone. His subsequent Emmy Awards came in 1997 and 1998 for his work on "The Simpsons."
Despite being let go in 2017 as part of cost-cutting measures, Clausen's contributions to "The Simpsons" continue to resonate strongly. He will be deeply missed by his wife Sally, children Kaarin, Scott, and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, and eleven grandchildren.
Fans of entertainment and celebrities mourn the loss of Alf Clausen, the esteemed composer behind the musical score of "The Simpsons," who passed away at the age of 84. Clausen's rich talent extended beyond "The Simpsons," as he also contributed to other iconic television series, such as "ALF" and "Moonlighting," for which he received multiple Emmy Awards.
