Music producer and reality television star David Gest has died in a London hotel aged 62, a statement from his friend says.
Gest, who was 62 years old, passed away at the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf.
His friend and former bodyguard Imad Handi confirmed the news in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that I can confirm that David Gest has died today,” the statement read.
‘Blistering one-liners’
Gest was best known for being the estranged husband of singer Liza Minnelli and for being a friend of Michael Jackson. He produced 2001’s Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration for television and was nominated for a primetime Emmy.
He became well-known in the UK after appearing on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, finishing in sixth place.
He later became a judge on talent show Grease Is The Word and in January he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK. He was married to Minnelli from 2002-2003 and they officially divorced in 2007.
Mr Handi added: “David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon.
“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.
Police statement
“If I may steal the words of one eminent critic, David was a natural star and a genuine celebrity. I will miss him desperately.”
A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 10:17 on Tuesday 12 April to the Four Seasons hotel, in Westferry Circus to reports of an unexplained death of a man in his 60s.
“London Ambulance Service were called to the scene. Life was pronounced extinct at the hotel. A post-mortem will be held in due course. Next of kin are in the process of being informed.”
Police have said there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.
He toured the the UK in September last year with David Gest’s (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life Tour – which played 14 cities.
SOURCE: BBC
