Celebrating a Visionary: David Yarnell's Enduring Influence on Media
A Life Dedicated to Media: From Brooklyn to Broadcasting
David Yarnell, born on March 14, 1929, in Brooklyn, embarked on a remarkable journey that would see him become a pivotal figure in the world of media. After completing his education at Brooklyn Law School and Cooper Union School of Art, Yarnell's passion for storytelling led him to the burgeoning fields of radio, film, and television, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career.
Pioneering Spirit: Revolutionizing Radio and Early Television
Yarnell's innovative spirit shone brightly during his time in radio, where he rose to become the program director for Channel 5 in New York. He was instrumental in creating the influential weekly radio program Firing Line, hosted by William F. Buckley, and collaborated with notable personalities like David Frost. His early work also included producing radio broadcasts of Muhammad Ali's boxing matches, showcasing his knack for capturing significant cultural moments. Yarnell's early career also saw him produce various weekly rock and roll music shows, eventually leading him to Los Angeles to expand his horizons in television.
Transition to Television: Crafting Memorable Productions
As Yarnell transitioned into television, his expertise continued to flourish. His extensive list of credits includes the Emmy-winning Deep in My Heart, starring Anne Bancroft, and the acclaimed documentary Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy for American Masters. He held executive positions as VP of programming at Metromedia and RKO General, and later as an executive at Screen Gems, demonstrating his leadership and strategic vision within the industry.
Diverse Portfolio: From Rock Concerts to Beloved Sitcoms
Yarnell's versatile talents extended to directing Joe Bob Briggs for TNT for over a decade. He was also the creative force behind ABC's In Concert, which evolved into Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and produced memorable 1970s rock TV specials featuring iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, Queen, and Black Sabbath. His knack for popular entertainment also led him to produce numerous Candid Camera specials for NBC, That's Incredible for ABC, and specials with comedic legends like Roseanne Barr and Dolly Parton for HBO. Furthermore, he produced the comedy anthology series Love, American Style for ABC, which famously spawned the beloved series Happy Days.
A Passion for Cinema: Bringing Stories to Life on the Big Screen
With the establishment of his production company, DY Productions, Yarnell turned his focus to documentaries and feature films, driven by a profound love for Hollywood. He produced series like AFI 100 Years, a TNT series celebrating American cinema, and Television's Greatest Performances Part I & II for ABC. A significant achievement in his later career was producing the 2018 film Can You Ever Forgive Me?, based on Lee Israel's memoir. Despite initial production challenges, Yarnell's unwavering commitment, fueled by his personal connection with Israel, ensured the project's success, earning Oscar nominations for its stars Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant.
Philanthropic Legacy: Nurturing Future Generations
Beyond his professional achievements, David Yarnell, alongside his wife, Hollywood talent agent Toni Howard, established the Toni and David Yarnell Merit Award of Excellence in Architecture and Art at Cooper Union. This initiative underscores their commitment to supporting emerging creative talents and embodies Yarnell's lasting philanthropic spirit, ensuring his legacy extends beyond entertainment to inspire future generations of artists and innovators.