William Olvis, the composer for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, died Tuesday, May 6, in Malibu.

The son of renowned opera singer and actor William Olvis, he began scoring for television in 1988. He went on to win four ASCAP awards, even garnering praise from critic Roger Ebert for his score in Red Rock West.

Just 56 years old, he suffered from throat cancer. He is survived by his siblings and partner, Cathleen Young, who was also his agent and former wife.