1. David Harold Ward Hartnell was born on 29 June 1944 and is a New Zealand journalist and media personality best known for his Hollywood gossip column and best-dressed lists.
12 Facts About David Hartnell
1. 2.
David Hartnell was the first full-time celebrity gossip columnist in New Zealand and his work appeared in print, radio and television.
3.
David Hartnell's syndicated columns have run in magazines and newspapers around the world.
4.
David Hartnell was raised by his mother and grandparents after his father left when he was young.
5.
David Hartnell later discovered a half-brother and sister who knew nothing of his existence.
6.
David Hartnell became involved with radio with weekly slots on Radio Pacific and Radio i and later appeared with radio personality Alice Worsley on New Zealand's first-ever television shopping show.
7.
In 1981, David Hartnell began his popular New Zealand's best- and worst-dressed lists, a yearly celebration of Kiwi celebrities that has become a tradition.
8.
David Hartnell was the chairman of the judges for the Miss New Zealand contest between 1982 and 1987.
9.
In 1995 he fronted The David Hartnell Show, a chat show on New Zealand's Triangle Television.
10.
In 2009 David Hartnell became a patron of the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc.
11.
In September 2012 David Hartnell was named an Ambassador of St James Saviours, the trust formed to save the iconic Auckland theatre.
12.
David Hartnell has lived with his partner Somboon Khansuk since 1993.