Theory of Everything composer Jóhann Jóhannsson dies at 48 | Movies | The Guardian Skip to main contentSkip to navigationSkip to navigation
Johann Johannsson holds his Golden Globe award
Johannsson was described as ‘one of the best composers in the world’ by film director Aaron Moorhead. Photograph: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Johannsson was described as ‘one of the best composers in the world’ by film director Aaron Moorhead. Photograph: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Theory of Everything composer Jóhann Jóhannsson dies at 48

This article is more than 6 years old

The Icelandic musician won a Golden Globe in 2015 for his score to the Stephen Hawking biopic

The Theory of Everything composer Jóhann Jóhannsson has died aged 48, his management has confirmed.

The Icelandic musician and producer, who won a Golden Globe for his score to the 2014 Stephen Hawking biopic starring Eddie Redmayne, was found dead in Berlin on Friday.

His representatives, Redbird Music Management, announced the news on Facebook, writing: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of our dear friend Johann.

“We have lost one of the most talented and brilliant people who we had the privilege of knowing and working with. May his music continue to inspire us.”

Known for blending electronic with classical orchestrations, Jóhannsson was nominated for an Oscar and Bafta for his soundtrack to Denis Villeneuve’s 2015 film, Sicario, and collaborated again with the director on 2016’s sci-fi film Arrival.

He is survived by his parents, sisters and daughter.

Among those paying tribute following the news were experimental producer Flying Lotus and film director Aaron Moorhead. Moorhead tweeted: “We just lost Jóhann Jóhannsson, one of the best composers in the world. Died just as he was getting started. Throw on IBM 1401 all day, The Sun’s Gone Dim is like he wrote his own requiem. This is devastating.”

Broadcaster Edith Bowman wrote on Twitter: “This is just the saddest of news. RIP Jóhann, your vision and creations will eternally inspire and influence me. Love and thoughts to all family and friends.”

Flying Lotus posted: “Jóhann Jóhansson has been such an influence, especially lately. I’m in disbelief. The stuff he did for @panoscosmatos “Mandy” is incredible.”

The Theory of Everything trailer: the score for which Jóhann Jóhannsson won a Golden Globe. Guardian

More on this story

More on this story

  • Jóhann Jóhannsson: the late Icelandic composer who made loss sublime

  • Jóhann Jóhannsson: Orphée CD review – sensitive ambient arrangements

  • Arrival composer Jóhann Jóhannsson: 'People are hungry for new sounds'

  • The Miners' Hymns review – a rich seam of music and mine

Most viewed

Most viewed