“An incredibly talented man": the famous composer of The Simpsons has died aged 83

Steph Deschamps / June 8, 2025

Alf Clausen, a key figure in American television music, died on Thursday May 29 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83 years old and had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for a decade, said his daughter Kaarin. Although he didn't write The Simpsons' famous theme music, which was composed by Danny Elfman, Alf Clausen left his mark on the show's sound universe. Over the course of 27 years, he penned nearly 600 tracks that accompanied the adventures of the small screen's most famous yellow family. His colossal work has been hailed by the profession: he has won two Emmy Awards and remains, to this day, the most nominated composer in the history of this distinction.

Prior to his involvement with The Simpsons, Clausen had composed for such iconic series as Moonlighting and Alf.

On social networks, many tributes greeted his memory. Al Jean, one of the show's original writers, hailed “an incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons”.