Particle.news
Eugene Ellsworth Landy (November 26, 1934 – March 22, 2006) was an American psychologist known for his unconventional 24-hour therapy and treatment of celebrity clients. His most notable patient was the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, with whom he formed a controversial business and creative partnership in the 1980s. As a teenager, Landy aspired to show business, briefly managing child performer George Benson. During the 1960s, he studied psychology, earning his doctorate at the University of Oklahoma. After moving to Los Angeles, he treated many celebrity clients, including musician Alice Cooper and actors Richard Harris, Rod Steiger, Maureen McCormick, and Gig Young. He also developed an unorthodox 24-hour regimen intended to stabilize his patients by micromanaging their lives with a team of counselors and doctors. Brian Wilson became a patient of Landy's program in 1975. Landy was discharged within a year due to his burdensome fees. In 1982, Landy was re-employed as Wilson's therapist, subsequently becoming his executive producer, business manager, co-songwriter, and business adviser. Landy co-produced Wilson's debut solo album Brian Wilson (1988) and its unreleased follow-up Sweet Insanity (1991), as well as allegedly ghostwriting portions of Wilson's first memoir Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story (1991). In 1989, the state of California revoked Landy's professional license amidst accusations of ethical violations and patient misconduct. Landy continued to act as Wilson's business partner until a 1992 restraining order barred Landy from contacting the musician ever again. After the 1990s, Landy continued his practice with licensure in New Mexico and Hawaii until his death. In 2014, Landy's treatment of Wilson was dramatized in the biographical film Love & Mercy, in which Landy is portrayed by Paul Giamatti. From Wikipedia
