TV Theme Composer Hagen Dead At 88

Emmy-winning composer EARLE HAGEN has died at the age of 88.

The musician died of natural causes at his home in San Diego, California on Monday (26May08).

Hagen wrote original music for more than 3,000 TV shows through his 33-year career - composing the theme tunes of hit U.S. series The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mod Squad.

He also shared an Oscar nomination with Lionel Newman for his work on the Marilyn Monroe film Let's Make Love in 1960. He scored his Emmy for musical works on espionage series I Spy in 1968.

He is survived by his second wife Laura - who he married in 2005 after his first wife Eloise Sidwell died - and two sons, Deane and James.