Phalen G. Hurewitz

Phalen “Chuck” Gilbert Hurewitz 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 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Jewish Family Services or Temple Isaiah.