Marvin Hamlisch Death

Composer Marvin Hamlisch has died in Burbank, California at age 68 after pulling a back muscle, sending fans of "The Entertainer" into shock and grief.

Marvin Hamlisch's cause of death was respiratory arrest, anoxic brain encephalopathy and hypertension, according to the death certificate.

After winning three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize, Marvin Hamlisch simply collapsed and fell to the floor dead.

The composer had just signed a new contract as conductor of the Pasadena Symphony and was wrapping up his musical score for the new movie about Liberace, Behind the Candelabra (2012).

On his Facebook page, Hamlisch was excited about returning to conduct the Pasadena Symphony, saying:  "Love you Pasadena symphony!  Wow!  Can't do it without you!  See you in September!"

Marvin Hamlisch was born in June 1944 as a child prodigy, who began mimicking pop songs by ear at age five.

At age seven, he was accepted into Juilliard.

Young Marvin's first job was as a pianist for Funny Girl starring Barbra Streisand.

Hamlisch's first hit as a songwriter was 1965's "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows," sung by teen star Lesley Gore and produced by a young Quincy Jones.

Marvin Hamlisch died holding the position of conductor for the San Diego, Pasadena, Seattle, Dallas, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestras.

As an award-winning world-famous composer, Hamlisch's work included film scores for The Way We Were, The Sting, Sophie's Choice, Ordinary People, A Chorus Line, The Spy Who Loved Me, Ice Castles, The Mirror Has Two Faces and The Informant.

The late Marvin Hamlisch is survived by Terre Blair-Hamlisch, his wife of 25 years, along with family, friends and fans who mourn the sudden death of Marvin Hamlisch.

Marvin Hamlisch 1944-2012