Danny Elfman is an American composer, singer, songwriter, and actor with an estimated net worth of $50 million. Elfman is widely recognized for his work as the lead singer and primary songwriter for the rock band Oingo Boingo (1979–1995) and his prolific contributions to film and television scores. Throughout his career, Elfman has composed music for over 100 feature films and earned a reputation for his collaborations with visionary filmmaker Tim Burton, scoring 16 of his films. Some of Elfman’s most iconic works with Burton include Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Big Fish (2003).
Elfman has also made significant contributions to television, most notably by composing the theme music for The Simpsons (1989) and Desperate Housewives (2004). In addition to his musical career, Elfman has appeared in films such as I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977), Forbidden Zone (1980), Back to School (1986), and The Gift (2000). He has also provided voice acting for Tim Burton films, including The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), where he not only scored the music but also voiced the lead character, Jack Skellington. Elfman also worked on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Corpse Bride (2005), further cementing his status as a creative force in both music and film.
The Simpsons Theme and Royalties
One of Elfman’s most recognizable achievements is composing the theme for The Simpsons in 1989. Notably, his voice can be heard singing the words, “The Simpsonnnnss,” at the beginning of the show’s theme song. This small but essential contribution has earned Elfman performance royalties for decades. In interviews, Elfman has revealed that those three notes have earned him more in royalties than what he was paid to compose the tune itself. Given that The Simpsons remains one of the longest-running TV shows in history, these royalties continue to provide a steady income stream, with Elfman jokingly stating that those notes “made him rich.”
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Daniel Robert Elfman on May 29, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, Elfman grew up in a Jewish household with his mother, Blossom, a teacher and writer, and his father, Milton, a teacher and Air Force veteran. Elfman’s brother, Richard, would later influence his musical career, as he was both an actor and filmmaker. As a child, Elfman spent many hours in the local cinema of Baldwin Hills, where he developed a love for horror and science-fiction films. It was during these outings that Elfman discovered the music of composers Franz Waxman and Bernard Herrmann, whose scores influenced his future work.
Despite his love for music, Elfman struggled early on. He was rejected from his elementary school orchestra, being told he had “no propensity for music.” However, in high school, Elfman’s musical interests blossomed through friendships with classmates who introduced him to jazz and the works of Igor Stravinsky.
After graduating early from high school, Elfman embarked on a journey around the world. He followed his brother Richard to France, where he played the violin for the musical theater group Le Grand Magic Circus. Elfman then spent nearly a year traveling through Africa, contracting malaria three times. Upon returning to Los Angeles, still recovering from hepatitis, Elfman was recruited by his brother to join a street theater group called The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo. Though Danny had no formal musical education at the time, Richard insisted that he take on the role of musical director.
The Rise of Oingo Boingo
Under Elfman’s leadership, The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo transitioned from street performances to nightclubs in Los Angeles. By the late 1970s, Richard left the group to pursue filmmaking, and the troupe evolved into a new wave band simply called Oingo Boingo. The band released eight studio albums between 1981 and 1994, including their hit single “Weird Science,” which was the theme song for both the 1985 movie and the subsequent TV series. Elfman’s unique voice and Oingo Boingo’s eclectic mix of genres contributed to their cult status in the 1980s.
Breakthrough with Tim Burton
Elfman’s career took a significant turn when Tim Burton, a fan of Oingo Boingo, approached him to compose the score for his directorial debut, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985). Though Elfman was unsure about scoring a film, the success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure marked the beginning of a lifelong collaboration with Burton. Elfman went on to score some of Burton’s most famous films, including Batman (1989), Beetlejuice (1988), and Edward Scissorhands (1990), creating some of the most memorable film music of the late 20th century.
Elfman won a Grammy Award for the 1989 Batman theme and continued to work with Burton on films like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), where he not only composed the score but also provided the singing voice for Jack Skellington. Elfman and Burton’s collaboration has become legendary in Hollywood, with Elfman scoring films such as Corpse Bride (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Dumbo (2019).
Film and TV Scores Beyond Burton
While Elfman’s partnership with Burton is iconic, he has also composed music for many other directors and genres. In the 1990s, Elfman scored blockbuster films like Dick Tracy (1990), Darkman (1990), Men in Black (1997), and Spider-Man (2002). His ability to create distinct and memorable scores across various genres has made him one of the most sought-after composers in Hollywood.
In addition to his film work, Elfman has composed the themes and scores for numerous TV shows, such as Tales from the Crypt (1989), The Flash (1990), and Batman: The Animated Series (1992). His work on Desperate Housewives (2004) earned him a Primetime Emmy Award, and his theme for The Simpsons remains one of the most recognizable pieces of music on television today.
Personal Life and Challenges
Elfman married actress Bridget Fonda in 2003, and the couple has one son, Oliver, born in 2005. He also has two daughters from a previous relationship with Geri Eisenmenger. Elfman has been open about the challenges he faced as a musician, particularly the hearing loss he suffered during his years with Oingo Boingo, which contributed to his decision to leave the band.
In recent years, Elfman has continued to evolve as an artist. He released the album Big Mess in 2021, which marked a return to his rock roots, and he continues to compose music for major films and television projects. Elfman’s contributions to the world of film and music have earned him a plethora of awards, including Grammy Awards, Academy Award nominations, and numerous accolades from the film music community.
Real Estate Investments
Danny Elfman has also made significant investments in real estate. In 2000, Elfman purchased a home in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles for $2.13 million. Along with his wife, Bridget Fonda, Elfman spent three years and an estimated $3 million renovating the historic 1920s property. In 2020, the couple listed their home for $14.6 million, ultimately selling it in two separate transactions for a combined $13 million. They now reside in Encino, California, where they own two side-by-side homes that they purchased for a combined $8 million. Additionally, Elfman owns a ranch in Santa Barbara, which he has held since the 1990s.
Danny Elfman’s journey from rock musician to one of the most revered composers in Hollywood is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring impact on the world of music and film. His work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, whether through his haunting film scores or the playful notes of The Simpsons theme, ensuring that Elfman’s legacy will endure for generations to come.
