Bodhi Elfman and Danny Elfman are two names that often appear in the credits of movies and TV shows. They are both successful actors and composers, but are they related? The answer is yes, they are uncle and nephew. Here is how they are connected and what they have achieved in their careers.
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The Elfman family tree
Bodhi Elfman was born on July 19, 1969, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Richard Elfman, a filmmaker, actor, and musician, and Rhonda Joy Saboff, a teacher. He has a younger sister, Mali Elfman, who is also a producer and actress
Danny Elfman was born on May 29, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Blossom Elfman, a writer and teacher, and Milton Elfman, a teacher. He has an older brother, Richard Elfman, who is Bodhi’s father. He also has a younger brother, Jack Elfman, who is a musician
Bodhi and Danny are both Jewish and have Polish-Jewish and Russian-Jewish ancestry. They are part of a creative family that includes other artists and performers. For example, Danny’s wife is Bridget Fonda, an actress and the granddaughter of Henry Fonda. Bodhi’s wife is Jenna Elfman, an actress and a Scientologist
The musical careers of Bodhi and Danny
Bodhi Elfman started his musical career as a member of the Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo, a theatrical musical group founded by his father Richard in the 1970s. The group later evolved into Oingo Boingo, a new wave rock band that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Bodhi played percussion and keyboards for the band until 1995
Danny Elfman was the lead singer and songwriter for Oingo Boingo from 1976 to 1995. He also composed the music for many of the band’s songs, as well as for other artists such as Paul Reubens, Weird Al Yankovic, and The Bangles. He is best known for his film scores, especially for his collaborations with director Tim Burton. He has composed the music for over 100 films, including Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and Dumbo. He has also written the themes for TV shows such as The Simpsons, Desperate Housewives, and Tales from the Crypt. He has been nominated for four Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and seven Saturn Awards for Best Music
The acting careers of Bodhi and Danny
Bodhi Elfman has appeared in over 80 films and TV shows as an actor. Some of his notable roles include Leo Pedranski in Mercury Rising, Van in Enemy of the State, Young Professional Man in Collateral, Avram Hader in Touch, and Peter Lewis in Criminal Minds. He has also produced and written some short films and web series, such as Whitehorse, Handsome Sportz Klub, Struck, and Next Exit
Danny Elfman has also acted in some films and TV shows, mostly in cameo roles or voice roles. He has voiced characters such as Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas (and its video game adaptations), Bonejangles in Corpse Bride, Clive in The Frighteners (which he also scored), Satan in Family Guy (which he also composed the theme for), and himself in The Simpsons (which he also composed the theme for). He has also appeared on screen as himself in documentaries such as The Making of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton (a concert film), and Score: A Film Music Documentary
The relationship between Bodhi and Danny
Bodhi Elfman and Danny Elfman are not only related by blood but also by their shared passion for music and acting. They have both expressed their admiration for each other’s work and have supported each other’s projects. For example,
- Bodhi played keyboards on some of Danny’s film scores such as Batman Returns (1992) , Mars Attacks! (1996) , Sleepy Hollow (1999) , Planet of the Apes (2001) , Big Fish (2003) , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) , Corpse Bride (2005) , Alice in Wonderland (2010) , and Dark Shadows (2012) .
- Danny composed the music for some of Bodhi’s films such as Shrunken Heads (1994) , Forbidden Zone (1980) (which was directed by Richard Elfman), and Next Exit (2022) (which was produced and written by Bodhi).
- Bodhi and Danny have both appeared in some of the same films such as Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994) , The Frighteners (1996) , and Men in Black II (2002) .
Bodhi Elfman and Danny Elfman are two talented and versatile artists who have made their mark in the entertainment industry. They are also part of a family that has a rich legacy of creativity and innovation. They are indeed related, and they are proud of it.
