Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer who wrote music for 'The Simpsons' for 27 years, dies
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Emmy-Winning "Simpsons" Composer Alf Clausen Dies at 84
**Los Angeles** - The world of television music mourns the loss of Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who brought the iconic sounds of "The Simpsons" to life for nearly three decades. Clausen passed away Thursday at his Los Angeles home at the age of 84 after battling Parkinson's Disease for a decade.
Clausen's musical contributions were integral to the success of the animated series. He joined the show in 1990, composing nearly 600 scores and conducting a 35-piece orchestra for the show until 2017. His music, often described as a crucial element of the show's humor, provided the emotional depth that elevated the comedic antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa. Clausen believed in scoring the characters' emotions, rather than simply matching the action on screen.
Before his work on "The Simpsons," Clausen had an impressive career, scoring other TV series like "Moonlighting" and "Alf." He received 30 Emmy nominations, 21 for "The Simpsons," winning twice. He also earned five Annie Awards for his animation work.
Clausen's firing from "The Simpsons" in 2017, due to cost-cutting measures, sparked outrage among fans and colleagues. He later sued over his dismissal.
Beyond "The Simpsons," Clausen's career included work as a musical director on variety shows and as an orchestrator for films like "Splash." He was a graduate of Berklee College of Music and a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. His legacy as a composer who shaped the sound of a generation of television will live on.
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