Legendary Sound Mixer Steve Maslow, Oscar Winner for 'Empire Strikes Back' and 'Raiders,' Dies at 81

Steve Maslow, Oscar-Winning Sound Mixer, Dies at 81

Steve Maslow, the acclaimed sound mixer who won Academy Awards for ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, and ‘Speed’, has died at 81, his family confirmed on Tuesday.

Known to friends and colleagues as ‘Maz,’ Maslow passed away Monday in West Hills, California, following a prolonged battle with cancer. His wife, Ronna Maslow, shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter.

“I have no words to describe hearing of Steve Maslow’s passing today. We lost one of the best of the best, and so many who loved him are heartbroken today. We’ll miss you, buddy, and thanks for all the memories.”

Career Highlights and Collaborations

Maslow’s career spanned more than 200 films, nearly half of which were created in partnership with sound mixer Grand Landaker. Their collaboration began with ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ (1979), and the duo shared all of Maslow’s Oscars except for his work on ‘Dune’ (1984).

His expertise in mixing dialogue and music led to collaborations with renowned directors, including:

• John Carpenter (Escape From New York, The Thing, Starman)
• Tim Burton (Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns)
• George Lucas (The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark), for which he won back-to-back Oscars

Maslow’s versatility extended across genres, with credits on films such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Early Career and Influences

Before entering film sound mixing, Maslow began his career in music. He worked as a roadie for the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock in the 1960s and later served as a recording engineer for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and other notable groups.

Legacy and Survivors

Maslow is survived by his wife, Ronna Maslow; his son, Travis; and a granddaughter.