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Oscar Sound Mixer Steve Maslow Dies After Cancer Battle

4/29/2026

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Summary

Steve Maslow Dies

Sound mixer Steve Maslow died at a therapy facility in West Hills after battling cancer.
Maslow earned the Best Sound Oscar for The Empire Strikes Back, the film’s sole Academy Award.
He received a third Best Sound Oscar for Speed in 1996 with Gregg Landaker and Keith A. Wester.
Maslow was also nominated for Dune (1984), Twister (1996) and U-571 (2000).

Summary

Sound Engineer’s Journey

He began major studio sound work with George Lucas on More American Graffiti and The Empire Strikes Back.
He partnered with Gregg Landier, handling dialogue and music while Landier managed effects.
After garage-band studios declined, he left roadie duties for Strawberry Alarm Clock and mixing for Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons to work on The Last Waltz documentary.
He was born Oct. 17 1944 and graduated from Grant High School in Los Angeles.

Summary

Steve Maslow Mixing

Steve Maslow, nicknamed “Maz,” mixed sound for directors from John Carpenter to Tim Burton.
His credits include Escape From New York, The Thing, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Maslow’s focus on dialogue and music, combined with Gregg Landaker’s effects, created a template for blockbuster sound.
Greg P. Russell said Maslow’s mentorship established mixing standards that today’s mixers still use.

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Steve Maslow Dies

Sound mixer Steve Maslow died at a therapy facility in West Hills after battling cancer.
Maslow earned the Best Sound Oscar for The Empire Strikes Back, the film’s sole Academy Award.
He received a third Best Sound Oscar for Speed in 1996 with Gregg Landaker and Keith A. Wester.
Maslow was also nominated for Dune (1984), Twister (1996) and U-571 (2000).

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