Vic Mizzy, writer of Green Acres theme, dies at 93

October 20, 11:43 AMSitcom ExaminerEd Thomas

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Vic Mizzy, composer of TV themes, film scores, and pop hits, has died at age 93.

(AP Photo/Micah Smith)

While the name might not necessarily be familiar, Vic Mizzy is responsible for some of the most iconic sitcom theme songs.

Case in point: Can you name this tune?

"Badda-ba-bum (snap snap), badda-ba-bum (snap snap), badda-ba-bum badda-ba-bum badda-ba-bum (snap snap)"

It's likely that, even given the limitation of reading the above,  you recognized the theme to The Addams Family, which is a tribute to how memorable a piece of music it is.  The composer of that theme, Vic Mizzy, died Saturday in Los Angeles at the age of 93.

In addition to The Addams Family, Mr. Mizzy also wrote the themes to a number of sitcoms, including Green Acres (and right now, you're hearing "ba-da-ba-da-da, bum bum" in your head, aren't you?), Captain Nice, The Double Life of Henry Phyfe, Temperature's Rising, and The Don Rickles Show.  Mr. Mizzy also scored feature films, including five films starring sitcom veteran Don Knotts ("The Ghost and Mr. Chicken," "The Shakiest Gun in the West," "The Reluctant Astronaut," "The Love God?" and "How to Frame a Figg"), and wrote a number of pop hits, including "Three Little Sisters" (1942, with Irving Taylor) and "With a Hey and a Hi and a Ho-Ho-Ho" (1947, with Manny Curtis).  New York readers will also remember the anti-jaywalking song of the 1960s, "In the Middle, In the Middle, In the Middle".

Mr. Mizzy is survived by a daughter, a brother, and two grandchildren.