Henry Mancini.

Enrico Nicola Mancini

Henry Mancini — Composer

Born 16 Apr 1924 Cleveland, United States

Died 14 Jun 1994 Los Angeles, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 102 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,713

Words

Jul 12, 2026

Published

19

Film credits

9

Books

7

Awards

TL;DR

Henry Mancini won four Academy Awards and 20 Grammys, revolutionizing film music by blending jazz into orchestral scores. He collaborated with Blake Edwards on Peter Gunn 1958 and Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961, and composed the Pink Panther theme in 1963. His score for Victor/Victoria earned him an Oscar in 1982, and his song ‘Moon River’ from Breakfast at Tiffany’s won two Oscars.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Henry Mancini — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Enrico Nicola Mancini

Aliases Mancini

Spouses: Ginny Mancini
Children: Monica Mancini

At a glance.

STATS

Henry Mancini by the numbers — life, work, and family.

70 Years lived

19 Film credits

9 Books

7 Awards

1 Marriage

1 Child

Who was Henry Mancini?

BIOGRAPHY

Henry Mancini — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

As a youth, Mancini sent arrangements to Benny Goodman, who offered him a job. Born Enrico Nicola Mancini in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 16, 1924, he was raised in Pennsylvania, where he played flute in a local band. After serving in World War II, he studied briefly at the Juilliard School before joining the Glenn Miller band.

Career

In 1952, Mancini took a two-week assignment at Universal to score a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello film, which led to a six-year tenure. He scored many films, including The Glenn Miller Story 1954, and changed film music by injecting jazz into orchestral arrangements. He collaborated with Blake Edwards on TV’s Peter Gunn 1958 and Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961, winning two Oscars for the latter. He also won Oscars for the title song of Days of Wine and Roses 1962 and the score for Victor/Victoria 1982.

Personal life

Mancini married Ginny Mancini on September 13, 1947, and they remained together until his death in 1994. They had three children: twin daughters Monica Mancini, a singer, and Felice Mancini, head of Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, plus a son, Chris Mancini. He was also survived by a grandchild, Luca Mancini.

Legacy

Mancini received 18 Oscar nominations and won four, along with 20 Grammys and 2 Emmys. He made over 50 albums and published 500 works. His Pink Panther theme from 1963 is a widely recognized piece of film music. In 1984, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A 37-cent US commemorative stamp was issued in his honor on April 13, 2004, listing his works and featuring the Pink Panther cartoon character.

Filmography.

FILMS · 19

The complete filmography of Henry Mancini — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

Frasier

1993
TV

Wogan

1982
TV

The Merv Griffin Show

1962
TV

The Oscars

1953
TV

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

1968
TV

The Midnight Special

1972
TV

The Julie Andrews Hour

1972
Movie

Son of the Pink Panther

1993
Movie

Gunn

1967
Movie

Seriously Phil Collins

1990
Movie

Audrey Hepburn: Remembered

1993
Movie

I Love Quincy

1984
Movie

Santa Claus: the Making of the Movie

1985

Showing 14 of 19 View all 19 films

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 7

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Henry Mancini — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Academy Award for Best Original Song Score
Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic or Comedy Score
Academy Award for Best Original Song
Grammy Award for Song of the Year
Grammy Award for Album of the Year
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 9

Henry Mancini's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Sounds and Scores

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

The Music of Henry Mancini, Plus One

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

Did They Mention the Music?

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

Henry Mancini

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

Case History of a Film Score

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

Pink Panther: Jazz Ensemble

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

The New Henry Mancini Songbook (Essential Box Sets)

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

The Music of Henry Mancini Plus One: Alto Saxophone

by Henry Mancini
Amazon

Henry Mancini – Pink Guitar Book & CD (Acoustic Masterclass)

by Henry Mancini

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

A wall of memorable lines from Henry Mancini — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

When Asked What’s Your Favorite Piece of All of Them You’ve Written?, Mancini Said, I’d Have to Say My Favorite Out of All the Pieces of Music I’ve Ever Written Is the Pink Panther. When Asked Why, Mancini Replied, Because I Own Half of It!”.

Did you know?

FACTS · 11

Little-known facts about Henry Mancini — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

When he joined the U.S. Army during World War II, Mancini was reassigned to a band unit, which saved his life; his original unit was wiped out in the Battle of the Bulge.
For Hatari! 1962, he wrote a brief piece of incidental music for a baby elephant walk, which became an international hit as Baby Elephant Walk.
A 37-cent USA commemorative stamp was issued in his honor on April 13, 2004, listing his film and TV scores like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Pink Panther, and Peter Gunn.
He and his wife Ginny had twin daughters: singer Monica Mancini and Felice Mancini, head of Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, plus son Chris Mancini.
Mancini was a prolific recording artist, with albums such as Music from Peter Gunn 1958 and Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961 selling millions; he also had a Number 1 single with Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet in 1969.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984.
Mancini composed a full score for Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, but it was replaced by a score from Ron Goodwin.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6821 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
The film Blind Date starring Bruce Willis was the 24th film he composed music for, resulting in 12 Academy Award nominations and 4 Oscars.
He and Jeff Chandler wrote the title song for the film Foxfire, and Jeff Chandler sang it.
He and Jeff Chandler also wrote the title song for Six Bridges to Cross.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 40

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Henry Mancini.

When was Henry Mancini born?

Henry Mancini was born on April 16, 1924. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Where was Henry Mancini born?

Henry Mancini was born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. His birth name was Enrico Nicola Mancini.
When did Henry Mancini die?

Henry Mancini died on June 14, 1994. He was 70 years old at the time of his death in Los Angeles, California.
Where did Henry Mancini die?

Henry Mancini died in Los Angeles, California, USA. The cause was pancreatic and liver cancer.
How did Henry Mancini die?

Henry Mancini died of pancreatic and liver cancer. He passed away on June 14, 1994 in Los Angeles.
How old was Henry Mancini when he died?

Henry Mancini was 70 years old when he died on June 14, 1994. He was born on April 16, 1924.
What was Henry Mancini's birth name?

Henry Mancini’s birth name was Enrico Nicola Mancini. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio.
What is Henry Mancini's height?

Henry Mancini was 6 feet 0 inches tall, or 1.83 meters.
What was Henry Mancini known for?

Henry Mancini composed the themes for Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961, The Pink Panther 1963, and Peter Gunn 1958. He won four Oscars and 20 Grammys.
Was Henry Mancini married?

Yes, Henry Mancini was married to Ginny Mancini. They were married from September 13, 1947 until his death in 1994.
Did Henry Mancini have children?

Yes, Henry Mancini had three children: twin daughters Monica Mancini and Felice Mancini, and a son Chris Mancini. Monica is a singer, and Felice heads Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
Who were Henry Mancini's relatives?

Henry Mancini was survived by his children and a grandchild, Luca Mancini. His wife Ginny survived him.
What awards did Henry Mancini win?

Henry Mancini won four Academy Awards, 20 Grammys, and 2 Emmys. He also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many awards did Henry Mancini win?

Henry Mancini won four Oscars and 20 Grammys. He was nominated for 18 Oscars in total.
How many award nominations did Henry Mancini receive?

Henry Mancini received 133 award nominations overall, including 18 Oscar nominations and many Grammys.
Where did Henry Mancini go to school?

Henry Mancini studied at the Juilliard School. He also learned by playing flute and sending arrangements to Benny Goodman.
What was Henry Mancini's occupation?

Henry Mancini was a composer, music crew member, and occasional actor. He wrote film and television scores.
What nationality is Henry Mancini?

Henry Mancini was an American. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived most of his life in the United States.
How many albums did Henry Mancini make?

Henry Mancini made over 50 albums. Many sold millions, including Music from Peter Gunn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
What was Henry Mancini's biggest hit song?

Henry Mancini’s biggest hit was the Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet, which reached Number 1 in 1969. He also had hits like Moon River and Baby Elephant Walk.
Who did Henry Mancini collaborate with?

Henry Mancini collaborated with director Blake Edwards on films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Pink Panther, and Victor/Victoria. He also worked with Benny Goodman early in his career.
What is Henry Mancini's most famous theme?

Henry Mancini’s most recognizable theme is the Pink Panther Theme from 1963. It is instantly recognizable worldwide.
How did Henry Mancini start his career?

Henry Mancini started by sending arrangements to Benny Goodman, who hired him. After serving in WWII, he joined the Glenn Miller band, then moved to Universal in 1952 to score films.
Did Henry Mancini serve in the military?

Yes, Henry Mancini served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was reassigned to a band unit, which saved his life when his original unit was lost in the Battle of the Bulge.
What instruments did Henry Mancini play?

Henry Mancini played the flute as a youth. He also played piano, as seen in his cameo as a piano player in the film Gunn 1967.
Was Henry Mancini on a stamp?

Yes, a 37-cent USA commemorative stamp was issued in Henry Mancini’s honor on April 13, 2004. It features his name and lists many of his film and TV scores.
What was Henry Mancini's role in 'Frasier'?

Henry Mancini voiced the character Al on the TV show Frasier in 1993. It was one of his few acting roles.
How many Oscars did Henry Mancini win?

Henry Mancini won four Academy Awards. He won two for Breakfast at Tiffany’s Best Original Score and Best Original Song for Moon River, one for Days of Wine and Roses Best Original Song, and one for Victor/Victoria Best Original Song Score.
Did Henry Mancini compose for Hitchcock?

Henry Mancini composed a full score for Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, but it was replaced by a score from Ron Goodwin. The material was never released.
What was 'Baby Elephant Walk'?

Baby Elephant Walk was an instrumental piece written by Henry Mancini for the 1962 film Hatari!. It became an international hit and was re-recorded by many artists in various styles.
How many works did Henry Mancini publish?

Henry Mancini published over 500 works during his career. He also made more than 50 albums.
Did Henry Mancini act in films?

Yes, Henry Mancini made cameo appearances in several films and TV shows. He played a piano player uncredited in Gunn 1967 and appeared as himself in many programs.
What is Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation?

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation is a nonprofit that supports music education. It is headed by Felice Mancini, Henry Mancini’s daughter.
Was Henry Mancini inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame?

Yes, Henry Mancini was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, recognizing his contributions to music.
What was Henry Mancini's first film score?

Henry Mancini’s first film score was for a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello film in 1952. He was originally given a two-week assignment but stayed at Universal for six years.
How many Grammy awards did Henry Mancini win?

Henry Mancini won 20 Grammy Awards throughout his career, including Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
What is Henry Mancini's connection to 'The Thorn Birds'?

Henry Mancini composed the score for the miniseries The Thorn Birds 1983. It is listed among his works on his commemorative stamp.
Did Henry Mancini have a twin?

No, Henry Mancini did not have a twin. He was the father of twin daughters, Monica and Felice Mancini.
Where can I find Henry Mancini's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Henry Mancini’s star is located at 6821 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, for Recording.
What was Henry Mancini's height?

Henry Mancini was 6 feet 0 inches 1.83 m tall.

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Audited & updated by

Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on July 12, 2026

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