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.
2023
as Devil
2022
as Richard Elfman
2022
as Richard
2021
as Clown Bippy
2010
as Self
2004
as Monkey Demon
2002
as Sheriff Patterson / Hewitt
1998
as Cop with Doughnut
1997
as Bongo Drummer at Dance Studio
1994
as Preacher on Bus
1989
as Himself, Man Playing Poker
1980
as Masseur
as Reynold Harmony
as Himself