David Gest was an American television personality, producer, and entertainer known for his flamboyant persona and high-profile friendships. He gained initial fame as a music producer, working with legendary artists like his childhood friend Michael Jackson. His public profile surged following his highly publicized marriage to and subsequent divorce from actress and singer Liza Minnelli. In his later years, Gest became a popular figure on British reality television, endearing himself to a new generation of fans before his death in 2016.