Trivia

In a speech during a tribute to him, fellow composer Henry Mancini noted Goldsmith's versatility, musical genius, and ability to completely change his style for each score he wrote. Mancini further stated, "frankly, he scares the hell out of the rest of us".

He considered Star Trek: First Contact (1996) the best Star Trek film he ever scored.

When his score for The Omen (1976) was nominated for the Academy Award, he was so sure he would lose again after eight nominations that he almost did not attend the ceremony. The producer of "The Omen", Harvey Bernhard, talked him into it, positive that Goldsmith would win for sure. When it looked like the late Bernard Herrmann would win for either Taxi Driver (1976) or Obsession (1976), Goldsmith was surprised when he was announced as the winner, just like Bernhard promised.

His scores for Chinatown (1974) and Planet of the Apes (1968) are respectively ranked #9 and #18 on AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores.

He said during the DVD commentary track for Basic Instinct (1992) that it was the most complex film score he had ever composed.

When the first score for Chinatown (1974), composed by Phillip Lambro, was rejected by the studio, Goldsmith was hired to rewrite the film's music. He composed and recorded the new score in only three weeks, a now legendary accomplishment.

Wore an ape mask when conducting the score for Planet of the Apes (1968).

Wrote the current Universal Pictures logo theme used since 1997.

Studied under Miklós Rózsa.

Frequently chose Alexander Courage as orchestrator for his scores.

He considered Total Recall (1990) one of his best scores.

Was offered the score for the first Superman (1978) film, which eventually went to John Williams. He later went on to score (and win acclaim for) Supergirl (1984) some six years later.

The Secret of NIMH (1982) was his first music score for an animated film. He later said that it was among his personal favorites. He was instrumental in introducing the film to Steven Spielberg, who went on to work with Bluth on An American Tail (1986). According to Bluth and Goldman in their DVD commentary, Goldsmith so loved the film that he volunteered an extra three weeks to polish and refine the score, even though he was not contractually obligated to do so.

Stated repeatedly that his score for the drama film Islands in the Stream (1977) is his favorite of anything he has done.

Jerry Goldsmith received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously. It can be found at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, which is right in front of the Music Institute.

First choice to compose Predator (1987), but was unavailable.

His opening theme for The Mummy (1999) was used in the opening for the trailer of The Road to El Dorado (2000).

First choice to compose The Thing (1982). When he passed, Ennio Morricone was hired.

For most of his career, he chose the late Arthur Morton to orchestrate his scores. Later, as Morton aged, he also added in Alexander Courage. After Courage retired, he used Mark McKenzie as his primary orchestrator.

Composed the 1976 Paramount TV jingle used from the fall of 1976 to the fall of 1978.

Buried at the beautiful Hillside Memorial Park - 6001 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, California.

Regularly conducts concerts of his music in London, with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Son, Aaron, with second wife, Carol Heather Goldsmith.

Children with Hennagin: Ellen, Carrie Goldsmith, Jennifer and composer Joel Goldsmith.