Showbiz mainstay David Gest has died, according to BBC News. The 62-year-old music producer and reality television star was found dead in his room at a Four Seasons hotel in London’s Canary Wharf. Police arrived at the scene on Tuesday and confirmed his death. An autopsy will be conducted, though officials say there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Gest was born in 1953, and is perhaps best known for producing the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Solo Years special and appearing on reality TV shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and the U.K.’s Celebrity Big Brother. Gest was also the ex-husband of Liza Minnelli. The two were married from 2002 to 2007, and Gest accused Minelli of being physically abusive during their relationship.
Gest’s friend Imad Handi confirmed the news with a statement. “David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon,” Handi’s statement reads, “I know he will be missed by millions of fans around the world, and particularly in Britain, who came to love his charm and blistering one-liners.”
