Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner composer Vangelis dies, aged 79

Oscar-winning composer Vangelis, best known for his work on Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire, has died. He was 79.

Vangelis – born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou – passed away late Tuesday (17 May). A cause of death has yet to be made public.

His death was reported by Athens News Agency, citing an announcement made by his lawyers’ office.

Born in Agria, Greece, Papathanassiou was a largely self-taught musician and a member of Greek rock bands The Forminx and Aphrodite’s Child.