Aliens, Clowns & Geeks

Richard Elfman was born in the Watts district of inner-city Los Angeles. When he was five his family moved to Crenshaw ('Boyz in the Hood') where where he was exposed to diverse cultural influences, including African and Afro-Cuban percussion which led to a lifelong musical career.

Elfman may have dropped out of college but he opened successful clothing stores adjacent to several of them. At that time Elfman also performed/recorded as an Afro-Latin percussionist and wrote/performed/directed for the San Francisco drag theatre group, the "Cockettes."

Richard moved to Paris in the early 1970s to perform musical theatre with the "Grand Magic Circus", produced by Peter Brook of the "Royal Shakespeare Company." Richard's brother Danny Elfman joined the troupe and created his first original music. Brook brought the troupe to the "Roundhouse" in London, where Richard also was a frequent session player on Abbey Road.

Richard started the music group "Oingo Boingo," has directed television, six feature films, produced 275 band and celebrity video interviews for his media company, Buzzine. Elfman continues as a long time food and wine columnist, directs theatre and plays in the band, "Mambo Demonico."

Richard lives under the iconic Hollywood sign with his wife, actress/choreographer/burlesque artist, Anastasia Elfman, where they host their underground performance salon, "The Barbecue Bacchanals." Richard grills.