Happy Heavenly Birthday
Happy Birthday #88 to our beloved Peter Knecht — husband, father, and friend. This year, we’re celebrating his life by giving the world the perfect gift, the gift of his memoir Blood & Justice on the Sunset Strip, which is now available on Amazon and Audible.
Peter’s words and wisdom live on through the pages, and his legacy will continue to touch the hearts and minds of readers.
© Dr. Ava Cadell Knecht
“Peter and I shared 27 wonderful years together until he passed away in 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. It was the only battle he ever lost.
It’s such an honor for me to share his remarkable career and life story with the world. His book “Blood and Justice on the Sunset Strip” is a powerful testament to his dedication to justice and passion for life, and captures the essence of a man who lived with courage and conviction. On his gravestone, I had it written: 'He Lived, He Loved, He Conquered' which perfectly encapsulates the legacy Peter Knecht left behind."
— Dr. Ava Cadell Knecht | Wife of the late Peter Knecht & Co-Editor of Blood & Justice on the Sunset Strip | www.avacadell.com
Martin Kove © Getty Images
“I first met Peter Knecht in 1979, on the set of an Andy Sidaris movie called ‘Seven’ in Kauai—in that film, he played the lead bad guy named Kimo Maderos and I was his right-hand man named Skip. We had a lot of fun – we were there for a couple of weeks. I so loved Hawaii, I even considered moving there. I didn’t know much about Peter when we first met, but quickly learned that he was a very successful criminal attorney back in Hollywood. We had such a good time making that film that our friendship continued after we both got back to Los Angeles.
He was always available to me if I ever had a business or legal question; I could always come to him. Peter and his lovely wife, Ava, and I would often go to watch new movies and eat dinners at Andy Sidaris’ house. Peter was a real good soul, and, considering all the troubled characters he represented, it always impressed me that none of his clients’ negative metaphysical or emotional characteristics rubbed off on him. His personality never changed from the day I met him until the last time I saw him, shortly before he passed away about ten years ago.
You never saw the pressure and the darkness within him that I’ve seen so many times within other attorneys — a level of hunger and frustration, and constant expediency, always rushing around and speaking fast. He was just a guy who loved the movies and the entertainment industry, and was very fond of actors. That’s why I am so sad he’s gone. Peter also had very good taste in women. I even secretly admired his wife, Ava, for many years, from afar.”
— Martin Kove | Actor, “The Karate Kid” and “Cobra Kai” | www.martinkoveonline.com
© Suzanne Takowsky Facebook
“Seldom in our lives do we meet someone whose own life experiences—positive and challenging—impact our lives with their wisdom, positivity, humor and genuine friendship. I met Peter Knecht in the early ‘90s — his reputation as one of the most esteemed criminal attorneys in the country came from representing headline-making celebrity ‘bad boys.’
Who would have thought that when I called his office to inquire about a problem I was having with ‘mean spirited, animal-hating’ neighbors that he would take the time to return my call. But he did. His caring and profound assurance that he would ‘take care of my problem’ not only produced a ‘win’ in court, but it brought forth a friendship that lasted until he left this world and now watches over us from heaven. Peter Knecht will never be forgotten.”
— Suzanne Takowsky | Publisher, The Beverly Hills Times Magazine | www.thebeverlyhillstimes.com
© Paul Fegen
"When I gave up practicing law to become a full-time magician, Peter introduced me to his friends and celebrity clients who hired me to entertain at their parties. I am forever grateful to Peter for these introductions, which led me to become The Fantastic Fig, the best known close-up magician in Hollywood.
Peter was also instrumental in the success of my parties above the Sunset Strip, when I became known as ‘LA’s Party King,’ because of the guests who attended my parties. Among my party guests were such icons as Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, and David Bowie - who performed in my living room when Mercury Records hired me to entertain for their recording artists on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1971."
— Paul Fegen | Renowned Magician & Former Attorney
© Jordan Goodstein, M.D.
“I was the surgeon on call the evening that Peter Knecht was brought to the hospital with a severe knife wound across his neck. He had severe bleeding which required surgical control, and the front of his larynx (voice box) was cut open. I had to do a tracheostomy to place a tube in his windpipe, below the injury, so he could breathe until the surgical repairs had healed.
We didn’t know if he would have a normal voice until the tracheostomy could be removed. After about 10 days, the tracheostomy tube was taken out, and to everyone’s relief, his voice quality was excellent. Peter proved to be one of the most stoic and appreciative patients I have ever cared for in more than 50 years of surgical practice. It was extremely gratifying to help him recover and return to the legal profession, which was so important to him.”
— Jordan Goodstein, M.D. | Surgeon
Victoria Sellers © Sveriges Radio
"Peter was amazing, he really was. From the moment I would walk into his immensely grand office, I felt secure hiring this gentleman.
He would always be there for his clients. I’m pretty sure I hired him three or more different times in my life when I was having some difficulties, and he always went to bat for me. When you hired him, he was there for you, 24/7.
When he showed up in court, he had amazing connections and was always so kind. I could call him at any moment and he would break down what our next steps had to be. He always made me feel secure. Years later, when I was the hostess at the Le Petit Bistro, he and his new wife, Ava Cadell, would often come into the restaurant – it was great for me to reconnect with him so many years later.
I do miss him – Peter was one in a million.”
— Victoria Sellers | Actress, Model & Daughter of Peter Sellers
© James E. Silverstein
“Peter Knecht was my law partner, a very dear friend, and one of the most legendary Criminal Defense Attorneys to ever live. Peter ruled the criminal courts in Los Angeles, and the Sunset Strip, for over 50 years. While Peter represented some of the biggest celebrities Hollywood has ever seen, he never let that go to his head. Peter effectively and tirelessly pursued justice and freedom for his clients by utilizing his keen vision and intellect - as well as his friendships and connections that he cultivated over 50+ years - to pursue the best strategies available under each circumstance.
In the process, Peter treated everyone with respect and every client like they were a star. Peter adopted a famous phrase by Eleanor Roosevelt to describe his work ethic and philosophy, which I myself, adopted as well. Mrs. Roosevelt said: ‘If you want to get something done; go to a busy man.’ Indeed, Peter remained busy and accomplished great things for his beloved clients until the very end. I had the honor and privilege of sharing an office with Peter for almost a decade before he died.
He taught me so much, and I will forever be grateful to him. I pledged to him prior to his passing that I would continue to be a tireless fighter for my clients just like he was, and I have continued to do so in his honor. The legend lives on.”
— James E. Silverstein | Attorney | www.jamessilverstein.com
© Robert Russo
"Peter Knecht was more than just a friend to me; he was the big brother / mentor I never had. He guided me through every step of my journey—from being his hairdresser and chauffeur, to eventually becoming a successful lawyer and his partner on the Sunset Strip.
We shared some of the best times of our lives there, moments I'll cherish forever. Peter and his wonderful wife Ava were like family, even helping me find my home in the Hollywood Hills so I could always be close to them.
Peter’s generosity knew no bounds—he and Ava gave me my beloved black cat Dino for my birthday, a gift I'll always treasure. We worked out together, had dinners at his home, and spent holidays as a family.
Peter was more than a friend, he was family, and his absence is felt deeply every day. I miss him terribly.”
— Robert Russo | Attorney
© Richard Somers
“I was introduced to Peter Knecht back in the mid ‘60's by a lady friend who was one of his many admirers. He was a true gentleman with a great attitude about everything. Peter and I became close friends, gave a lot of parties, and hung out at such iconic venues as Cyrano's Restaurant on the Sunset Strip and the Luau in Beverly Hills.
He greatly enjoyed making his living doing what he liked - practicing criminal law. When I met him, he had just become the District Attorney for the City of Beverly Hills and had designs on starting his own law practice in the near future. He did exactly that and the rest is history.
Many of Peter's first defense clients were people he had earlier prosecuted, which resulted in their convictions. But even in so doing, Peter's style in the courtroom earned their admiration, resulting in their desire to have him represent them as defendants whenever the need would arise.
In the law profession in Los Angeles, Peter was a legend in his own time. I was fortunate to have had him as a close friend for many decades, until he passed away. It was an honor for me to have been asked by his wife Ava to deliver Peter's eulogy at his funeral.”
— Richard Somers | President, Mariners Outreach Foundation and Former Client, Close Friend and Eulogist at Peter Knecht’s Funeral