Alf Clausen, the renowned music composer of The Simpsons and Alf, has died.

Alf Clausen, the composer who left a mark on generations with his unmistakable musical style in series such as The Simpsons and ALF, passed away last May 29 in Los Angeles, at the age of 84. The news was confirmed by his family, who detailed that the musician was suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, initially diagnosed as Parkinson's.

With a career spanning more than four decades in the audiovisual industry, Clausen established himself as one of the most prolific composers in American television. His career includes memorable work in series such as Moonlighting, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and in film comedies such as The Naked Gun, but it was his time on The Simpsons that elevated him to cult status within the entertainment world.

Summoned in 1990 by Matt Groening, Clausen joined the animated series' team from its second season. Over 27 years, he composed incidental music for more than 550 episodes, writing over 10,000 original pieces and conducting a 35-musician orchestra each week. While The Simpsons' main theme was created by Danny Elfman, many of the series' most memorable songs—such as "See My Vest" or "You're Checkin' In"—bear Clausen's signature.

His talent did not go unnoticed: he was nominated for the Emmy Award 30 times, and won two statuettes. In addition, he received five ANNIE Awards for his contribution to animation and was recognized by Berklee College of Music, where he studied, with an honorary doctorate in 1966.

Before his time on The Simpsons, Clausen also left his mark on ALF (1986–1990), where he experimented with electronic sounds and synthesizers, elements characteristic of the series' comedic tone.

In 2017, Fox Television decided to dispense with his services, citing the need for "a different kind of music" to modernize the series. Clausen's departure caused a strong reaction, both from the public and from Matt Groening, who described him as a "secret weapon" behind The Simpsons' success.

Some time later, Clausen filed a lawsuit for discriminatory dismissal, alleging his age and health condition as reasons for his departure. The case was settled confidentially in 2022, when his illness had already progressed considerably.