In the money...(01 of09)
Open Image ModalGest grew up in Southern California where he counted Michael Jackson and his brothers as his childhood best friends. He later produced Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Special in 2001, which became the highest-rated musical television special ever.
Welcome to the jungle...(02 of09)
Open Image ModalGest appeared on the 2006 series of the British reality television show 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' and proved a memorable contestant with his willingness to eschew his A-list lifestyle, for a fortnight at least.
Storyteller(03 of09)
Open Image ModalDavid's stories, plus his sing-song with fellow contestant Toby Anstis secured his popularity, and he was voted off the show only one day before the end. Two days later, he appeared at the Royal Variety Show where he was given a standing ovation. All of this really happened.
That's What Friends Are For(04 of09)
Open Image ModalDavid is legendarily well-connected on both sides of the Atlantic, recruiting R&B acts including Deniece Williams, Peabo Bryson, CeCe Peniston and Three Degrees' Sheila Ferguson for his most recent UK tour. Here he is with Sinitta and a dress of Tina Turner's.
Love WAS All Around...(05 of09)
Open Image ModalFor David Gest and Liza Minelli, marrying in a blaze of publicity due to the A-list wedding roll-call. The groomsmen included ALL of the Jackson Five, while the SIXTEEN bridesmaids (including Martine McCutcheon and Petula Clark) joined matron of honour Elizabeth Taylor and bride-walker Michael Jackson. Guests included Mel C and Tony Bennett. Hollywood veteran Mickey Rooney attended, saying: "Liza's had a hard life and she deserves this happiness."The happy couple kissed for a full two minutes.
Love Turned Cold(06 of09)
Open Image ModalThe pair separated after 18 months, and in Oct 2003, he sued her for $10 million claiming that she had been violent and physically abusive during their marriage, behaviour he blamed on her alcoholism. Minelli denied the claims, saying her ex was just after money. The suit was later dismissed.
And Finally...(07 of09)
Open Image ModalIn June 2008, Gest contributed a monologue to the song 'Bring You Down' by Attic Lights in which he delved into his split from Liza Minnelli. In one line, Gest says: "I never knew a woman could be so cold."
Face to Face(08 of09)
Open Image ModalDavid admits to having had two plastic surgery operations during the 1980s, by the same doctor who worked on Michael Jackson. He says now he regrets them, but nothing could have stopped him at the time.
The Show Goes On... (09 of09)
Open Image ModalIn December 2010, David appeared in a Christmas special edition of Channel 4's 'Come Dine With Me' alongside Diarmuid Gavin, Hannah Waterman and Sherrie Hewson. Gest won joint first place with Diarmuid on the show.