Remembering Mark Smythe: Acclaimed Los Angeles Composer Dies at 53
The New Zealand-born artist was a celebrated composer, dedicated educator, and influential industry leader.
Mark Smythe, an accomplished composer whose evocative work on The Reef: Stalked earned him nominations from the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) and the World Soundtrack Awards in 2023, has passed away at 53. He died on May 9 following a medical emergency while hiking in the mountains of Los Angeles.
A central figure in the film and television scoring community, Smythe’s influence extended far beyond his own compositions. From 2018 to 2021, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Society of Composers and Lyricists, having previously led the organization’s Los Angeles administration.
“The loss of Mark is a devastating blow to our entire community,” remarked SCL president Ashley Irwin. “His absence will be deeply felt by his friends, collaborators, and the many students who benefited from his guidance.”
Born in New Zealand, Smythe’s path to Hollywood saw him live in Australia before settling in Los Angeles in 2013. His professional accolades included three nominations from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for his scores in Unfallen, Flying South, and The Things She Did. In 2012, he was honored with the Australian Screen Industry Network award for Best Composer for his work on Daddy’s Little Girl.
Reflecting on his personality, Irwin added, “Mark possessed a magnetic energy. He was incredibly generous with his time and had a gift for making newcomers feel instantly at home. His humor and his warmth were infectious; he truly made the world a brighter place for those around him.”
Tributes have poured in from across the industry, including from APRA AMCOS, where Smythe once worked in the Melbourne office. “Mark’s death is a profound loss for the music world,” said CEO Dean Ormston. “He is remembered with great affection by his colleagues for the positivity and spirit he brought to every room.”
At the time of his passing, Smythe remained committed to mentoring the next generation, teaching media composition at California State University, Northridge, and serving as the Department Head of Composing for Visual Media at the Los Angeles College of Music. Beyond his academic work, he was an active collaborator in the choral world, including recent projects with the LA Choral Lab.
He is survived by his sister, Kate Ward-Smythe.
