Composer Mark Snow, Creator of the Iconic “X-Files” Theme Song, Dies at 78

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Mark Snow, the composer of The X-Files theme song, has died at age 78
The musician was nominated for 15 Emmys and crafted a range of tunes for the small screen
"His limitless talent and boundless creativity was matched only by the generosity he bestowed upon other composers who sought his guidance," a friend and fellow composer said
Mark Snow, the composer best known for creating the iconic theme song for The X-Files, has died at age 78. Nominated for 15 Emmys, Snow died at his Connecticut home, Variety first reported.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R16ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R26ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeThe composer has crafted some of the most memorable music for the small screen in the past few decades, from the long-running sci-fi drama X-Files to Smallville and Helter Skelter.
“My greatest influence for film music was the score for The Planet of the Apes by the great Jerry Goldsmith,” Snow previously told Fifteen Questions, a music-focused magazine. “I couldn't believe that in Hollywood they let you write avant-garde 12-tone music for big movies.”
He added, “And my love for experimental, new music worked out so beautifully for my thrilling nine years on The X-Files.” Snow composed the theme song with creator Chris Carter, which went on to be a global hit and even a popular sound for TikTok memes.

Earl Gibson III/WireImage
The 'X-Files' composer.The agency that represents him, Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc., did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1cekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2cekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeHailing from Brooklyn, Snow, who was born Martin Fulterman, went on to attend Juilliard with his friend, another well-known composer, Michael Kamen, according to his IMDB page. Snow’s accolades include 33 wins, most recently the ASCAP Award for Most Performed Themes and Underscore in 2016. In 2009, he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for his work on Ghost Whisperer.
Snow’s longtime friend and mentee, composer Sean Callery, told Variety how much he admired his talent and kindness towards other composers.
“His limitless talent and boundless creativity was matched only by the generosity he bestowed upon other composers who sought his guidance,” Callery told the outlet. “He would give the most inspiring and intelligent feedback when listening to the work of other young artists (myself included)."
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“He combined his decades of experience with the encouragement that composers cultivate: to trust in themselves, embrace their own unique voice, and learn to rely on their own instincts,” Callery continued, according to Variety. “And he did so with a humor and self-deprecation that made his wisdom all the more enduring.”
Snow is survived by his wife Glynnis, three daughters and grandchildren.
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