Los Angeles, Jan. 25 -- British composer Laurie Johnson, whose theme for 'The Avengers' was one of the most famous spy show hallmarks of the 1960s, has died, Variety reported.

He died in his sleep on Tuesday in North London, according to a family statement.

He was 96.

Johnson was one of the last prominent English film composers active in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. He scored 'Dr. Strangelove' for Stanley Kubrick, as well as 'Tiger Bay' and the sci-fi and fantasy films 'First Men in the Moon and 'Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter'.

But it was his music for 'The Avengers,' the cheerful and elegant teaming of troubleshooters John Steed and Emma Peel, winningly performed by Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg, that brought him star status.

Johns...