Clausen’s career included composing for TV series such as “Moonlighting” and “Alf,” earning 30 Emmy nominations—21 for “The Simpsons”—and winning twice.
Joining “The Simpsons” in 1990, Clausen crafted the show’s iconic musical backdrop until 2017, conducting a 35-piece orchestra and shaping the emotional tone behind the series’ humor. Creator Matt Groening described Clausen as “one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show.”
Known for scoring the emotions of characters rather than cartoon action, Clausen viewed the job as a dream opportunity, blending drama with animation in a unique style.
Born in Minneapolis and raised in North Dakota, Clausen studied at Berklee College of Music and moved to Los Angeles, where he contributed to TV variety shows and worked with composer Lee Holdridge on film scores before gaining fame with “Moonlighting.”
Despite being fired from “The Simpsons” in 2017 due to cost-cutting, Clausen left an indelible mark on the series and animation music, winning five Annie Awards alongside his Emmys.
He is survived by his wife Sally, children Kaarin, Scott, and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, and 11 grandchildren.
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