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.