David Hartnell

David Hartnell grew up in a secure but unremarkable suburban life. His interests in things colourful and theatrical led him to championship roller skating and cabaret. On his big OE, he landed a job in Australia and then in the heart of the London cosmetics industry, eventually attending to the makeup needs of A-listers.

He went to New York and Los Angeles, where his career took a change of direction as a Hollywood Gossip columnist. Returning home in the mid-seventies led to screen appearances as a purveyor of celebrity gossip, and he continued to travel frequently back and forth to Hollywood.

David rapidly became established as New Zealand’s number 1 celebrity gossip columnist on television, radio, and print. Frequent visits to Hollywood established his credentials until he became an encyclopedia of trivia and scandal about the rich and famous, and the public lapped up every word. Today no-one is recognised as knowing more about Hollywood. Not only has he spent a lifetime reporting on Hollywood gossip, but he now counts a number of international celebrities among his lifelong friends.

• David is the Patron of the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc.

• The Patron of the Auckland Brotherhood of Magicians.

• Ambassador St James Saviours.

• Ambassador Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.

In 1989, he was awarded a Variety Artists Club Scroll of Honour. For recognition and thanks for his international achievements and continuing contribution to the New Zealand entertainment industry. In May, Penguin will be publishing his memoirs titled “Memoirs of a Gossip Columnist”

He writes about behind the glitter and the showbiz glamour, David’s story also reveals the private strains he has experienced behind the ever-confident public face. He writes about damaging family secrets, being bullied because he was gay, two name changes, and being sued for defamation by a prominent New Zealand singer.

Bursting with remarkable photos and stories of his encounters, including a surprise lunch with Alfred Hitchcock and Bette Davis, his close friendship with the legendary Phyllis Diller, little-known secrets about the Royal Family's crown jewels, and many, many more, this book is for anyone who loves behind-the-scenes gossip and enjoys a rollicking good read.