Prolific composer Elmer Bernstein, who wrote music for more than 250 film and television productions, including Disneys animated feature, THE BLACK CAULDRON, died Aug. 18, 2004, during his sleep at his home in Ojai, California, at the age of 82.
He also scored many early computer animation documentaries and the animated pic HEAVY METAL (1981). Nominated 14 times for Academy Awards, Bernsteins work ranged across most genres. He is perhaps best known for his score for THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, HAWAII, THE GREAT ESCAPE, the GUNSMOKE TV series and his Oscar-winning score for THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.
He established himself in Hollywood with his score for THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, and was more recently known his work on CADDYSHACK, GHOSTBUSTERS, THE BLUES BROTHERS, CAPE FEAR, WILD WILD WEST (1999) and FAR FROM HEAVEN.
His wife Eve, two daughters, two sons and five grandchildren survive him. Details will be announced soon for a public memorial service.
