Jerry Goldsmith

Date of Birth: February 10, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 21, 2004

Biography

Jerry Goldsmith was an influential American composer and conductor, renowned for his work in film and television scoring. Born in Los Angeles, California, he began taking piano lessons at the age of six and was introduced to music theory and composition by the age of fourteen. His early education included studies with legendary composer Miklós Rózsa at the University of Southern California. Goldsmith’s professional career took off in the 1950s when he composed music for radio and television shows, leading to his breakthrough in film scoring in the 1960s. Over his prolific career, he composed scores for over 200 films and television series, including classics such as “Planet of the Apes,” “The Omen,” “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” and “Chinatown.” Known for his versatility and innovative use of electronic instruments, Goldsmith received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, five Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. He passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence modern film music.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Goldsmith

1. Jerry Goldsmith won his only Academy Award for Best Original Score for the 1976 film “The Omen.”

2. He composed the theme for “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” which became one of the most iconic TV themes.

3. Goldsmith was known for his innovative use of electronic instruments, including the echoplex and the blaster beam.

4. He scored the first R-rated movie ever released by Walt Disney Productions’ subsidiary Touchstone Pictures, which was “The Black Hole” in 1979.

5. Goldsmith was a frequent collaborator with directors Franklin J. Schaffner and Joe Dante, scoring multiple films for each.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Goldsmith

1. “I think there is a God, and I have to deal with the God within me to be creative.”

2. “The best way to scare people is to make them think.”

3. “Music is the one thing that can enter the soul without permission.”

4. “A film score is the voice of the unseen character in the film.”

5. “I’m a composer who happens to work in film and television, that’s how I see myself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jerry Goldsmith’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.

Children

Jerry Goldsmith had four children: Joel Goldsmith, Ellen Edson, Carrie Goldsmith, and Jennifer Grossman. Joel Goldsmith followed in his father’s footsteps and became a prominent composer himself, known for his work on the “Stargate” television series.