We use cookies to personalize your experience and analyze traffic. You can opt out at any time.
Richard grew up in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles (Boyz n the Hood), was a semi-professional boxer, food and wine critic and successful stage director. He is also a noted Afro-Latin percussionist and with his brother, Danny Elfman, founded the band Oingo-Boingo. Richard's theatrical career began in Europe, having worked with directors Jérôme Savary in Paris and Peter Brook in London. Elfman has been a published journalist for 30 years, focusing on food, wine and entertainment. He published culture and entertainment magazine and website, Buzzine, between 2010-2015 and produced 275 Buzzine red-carpet, music and celebrity videos. Richard family include his mother, novelist Blossom "Clare Elfman", sister-in-law, actress Bridget Fonda, son, actor-producer Bodhi Elfman, daughter-in-law Jenna Elfman, niece, producer Mali Elfman and nephew, Emmy-winning broadcast journalist, Diego Santiago. Richard resides in the Hollywood hills with his actress/dancer wife, Anastasia Elfman, where they are renown for their underground food/wine/performance salon, "The Barbecue Bacchanals." Richard presently directs film as well as writes and directs live theatre and plays in the band Mambo Diabolico.
Richard Elfman is a Los Angeles-based director, actor, and musician recognized for his diverse contributions to underground cinema, live theater, and music, including his role in founding the musical troupe Oingo Boingo.
He is primarily known as the creative force behind the surreal cult classic Forbidden Zone and for directing genre films like Aliens, Clowns & Geeks and Bloody Bridget.
He specializes in low-budget, highly stylized, and surreal independent features that frequently blend horror, dark comedy, and music.
Yes, he remains a performing percussionist and currently plays with his band Mambo Diabolico. Follow his latest film and music projects on Mood.