David Gest

American producer and entertainer (1953–2016)

David Alan Gest was a prominent American producer and television personality, active in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2016. Born in 1953, Gest made a notable impact in the film industry through his production work. One of his notable achievements was founding the American Cinema Awards Foundation in 1983, showcasing his commitment to recognizing excellence in cinema. He also produced several notable television specials, including the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2001, which marked a historic reunion of Michael Jackson and the Jacksons after nearly 17 years.

Gest's personal life and television appearances often garnered significant media attention. His marriage to Liza Minnelli frequently made headlines in tabloids. In addition to his production work, Gest participated in several reality television shows, including the British series I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2006 and Celebrity Big Brother 17 in the UK in 2016. However, his stint on Celebrity Big Brother was cut short due to medical reasons, resulting in a 13th-place finish after just 13 days in the show. Through his work and appearances, Gest remained a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry until his death in 2016.