David Gest was found dead in a London hotel room, a friend has confirmed. The American producer and reality star was 62 years old.
"David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon," Handi said.
"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."
According to a police statement obtained by BBC, Gest was discovered by authorities in the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf Tuesday morning, local time.
Police say they have not discovered reason to be suspicious of foul play."A post-mortem will be held in due course," the police statement continued. "Next of kin are in the process of being informed."
Gest, most recently a personality on the U.K.'s "Celebrity Big Brother," is the long estranged husband of singer Liza Minnelli, from whom he separated in 2003 after about a year of marriage.
