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Phalen "Chuck" Hurewitz

1936 - 2023

BORN

1936

DIED

2023

Phalen Hurewitz Obituary

November 25, 1936 - October 15, 2023 Phalen "Chuck" Hurewitz, 86, died peacefully on October 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. As an entertainment attorney, he advocated for and represented musicians, film and television talent, and many other artists for nearly sixty years. He was also a committed leader in the Los Angeles Jewish community.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Chuck gave piano concerts as a teenager with his mother, an opera singer. His love of music never left him. After graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College, he considered a career as a pianist, but ultimately chose to become a lawyer and earned his law degree from Stanford University in 1961. He found a way to combine his love of music with the law by practicing entertainment law.

Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1965, he dedicated himself to making sure artists, particularly musicians, had effective legal representation. His clients included the Monkees, the Captain and Tenille, Dee Dee Bridgewater, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Dr. Demento, and Kansas.

He also devoted a large part of his life to community organizations. He has been a Commissioner and Chair of the Los Angeles County Commission for Children and Families (1990-2006); Commissioner of the Los Angeles County First 5 LA Commission (1999-2006); President of Jewish Family Services (1991-1994). President of Builders of Jewish Education (1994-1997) and President of Temple Isaiah (1975-1977). He also served on the Board of a number of other Jewish and arts organizations.

Above all, Chuck cherished his family. Chuck met his wife Renee in the spring of 1958, and they shared sixty-five wonderful years. Together they raised three children - Deborah Hurewitz Pitt (Rob Pitt), Matthew Hurewitz (Anna Song), and Daniel Hurewitz (Michael Ravitch). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Benny Pitt, Clara Pitt, Maxine Song-Hurewitz, Jack Song-Hurewitz, Alexandra Song-Hurewitz, Elijah Hurewitz-Ravitch and Asher Hurewitz-Ravitch, all of whom he adored. Nothing made Chuck happier than to sit at the piano and play Broadway show tunes, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren singing along.

An incredibly kind and generous man, he loved to offer advice, and he was a mentor to many. His family has been forever influenced by him, and will cherish many happy memories of his long and fulfilling life.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, October 17 at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Jewish Family Services.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Phalen Hurewitz

14 Entries

Helaine Ross

June 25, 2024

I just saw that Chuck recently passed away. My condolences to the family on the loss of such a wonderful gentleman. He was my attorney for many years and was always trying to connect with me with another one of his clients-that way he could help everyone. He was always kind and generous time and advice. A great man and friend.

Mona Golabek

January 12, 2024

It is with profound sorrow I have learned only just now of Chuck's passing. He was such a beautiful soul and incredible supporter of one's dreams. I shall miss him deeply, more than i can put in words. My utmost heartfelt thoughts to his family.

Kimberly King-Burns

November 29, 2023

Thank you so much for sharing your creative, community and legal talents with so many of us: your memory will always be a blessing, and the seeds you planted have taken serious root.

Jeanmarie Simpson

November 7, 2023

Chuck was the kindest man and most generous attorney I have ever known. He saved me more than once.

Tulani Bridgewater- Kowalski

October 31, 2023

Chuck was the most kind, generous, wonderful man. He always made and shared his time. He was the person I could always trust to offer loving, sage advice and support. His dedication to his wife and family was an inspiration. I loved him dearly and am grateful to have known him. He will live forever in my and my family's hearts. May his memory be a blessing.

Dee Dee Bridgewater

October 30, 2023

It´s with a heavy heart that I share my thoughts...Chuck was an amazing person, a guiding force in my career development and growth. He was ever present in my life and that of my children, who referred to him as Uncle Chuck. Chuck and Renee supported my LA concert performances, the most recent being January 20, 2023 along with their son Matthew. My heart mourns, my spirit is broken, but I am grateful to have known and worked with, and be represented by such an incredible human being. To Renee, Deborah, Matthew, Daniel and the grandchildren I send my sincerest condolences. His light shines brightly through each of you. Dee Dee Bridgewater

KAREN SZEMBORSKI

October 24, 2023

....wow my heart hurts he was a special person, so blessed to have had him in my life for the time I did. I was one of his Personal Trainer´s during the time I was living in Los Angeles-he was truly a big brother, father figure while I had no other family locally and in the midst of the crazy sometimes harsh cruel world of LA he was a friend, a client, a mentor and probably one of the most wonderful human beings on this planet ! He was one of the few people that understood the bond I had for Mojo (my Maltese) and the 1st time Chuck met Mojo at his Puppy Shower, Mojo obviously new what a special person Chuck was. Mojo let him cradle him in his arms the entire time

Ed Labowitz

October 19, 2023

When I became assistant counsel of a TV company in 1976 -- my first entertainment law job -- Chuck was ne of the first talent lawyers I dealt with. I am glad for that, because he was a mensch and a gentleman who guided me fairly and kindly through one of my first TV negotiations. As our paths/deals crossed over the years, he remained that mensch and gentlemen.

Stuart Krohn

October 19, 2023

Chuck and his family are cousins and he was close to my mom Bunny growing up in Boston. I got to know Chuck after I moved to LA and he became interested in my young family and the school where I worked. He unselfishly was a regular special guest in the Entrepreneurs and Leadership class I facilitate. We became involved in a documentary project and Chuck became our lawyer and chief advisor and immediately steered the ship through waters we had no experience navigating. We wouldn't have made it without him. Chuck had a warm, welcoming spirit that guided me, and I know now countless others, in the right direction. We should all try to be a little more like Chuck and shine more love light.

Philip S Liebschutz

October 18, 2023

Chuck was a mensch through and through. He was thoughtful, intelligent, kind and generous...his laugh and smile were calming. He had a great sense of humor....and will be greatly missed by my family...and the larger Los Angeles Jewish Community.

Harry Abrams

October 17, 2023

Can someone put me in touch with either Renee, Daniel, Matthew or Deborah ? I was a longtime client of Chuck´s and was shocked by reading his obituary a short while ago!

Harry [email protected]
(310) 720-8961

LAWRENCE RIEGEL

October 17, 2023

Thank you for allowing my daughter to be a piece of your life and family through her care for you, Kim Riegel Dore's Dad, Lawrence, May GOD Bless

Michael Bordy

October 17, 2023

I appreciated Chuck as a friend and fellow attorney. I enjoyed working with him and for him. He will be missed.

Mary

October 17, 2023

We will miss you greatly, Chuck. I will never forget your kindness and big heart. I´m forever grateful for our friendship, to have you as a mentor, and for the happy memories, particularly that one summer evening where we went on a double date to enjoy the orchestra at the Bowl.

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