David Yarnell, a celebrated figure in the realms of film and television production, has concluded his remarkable life at the age of 96 in Los Angeles. Revered for his pivotal role in bringing the critically acclaimed movie "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" to the screen, Yarnell's professional journey was distinguished by an unwavering commitment to storytelling and an extensive portfolio of influential projects across various media platforms. His innovative spirit and profound understanding of narrative dynamics were central to his enduring success and the widespread recognition he garnered within the entertainment sector.
Yarnell's most notable achievement in recent years was his involvement with "Can You Ever Forgive Me?," a cinematic adaptation released in 2018. This film, starring Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant, was inspired by Lee Israel's memoirs. Yarnell had acquired the rights to the book two decades prior, cultivating a close relationship with Israel that proved crucial to the project's eventual triumph. Both McCarthy and Grant received Academy Award nominations for their outstanding performances, a testament to the film's quality and Yarnell's keen eye for compelling content.
Beyond his cinematic endeavors, Yarnell made substantial contributions to television. He helmed TNT's "Joe Bob Briggs" for eleven years, a tenure that earned him an Emmy nomination. His production credits also include the CBS movie "Deep in My Heart," which garnered an Emmy for Anne Bancroft, and ABC's music series "In Concert," showcasing legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and Queen. This series later evolved into "Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert," enjoying a successful nine-season run with 180 episodes.
Yarnell's diverse career also encompassed producing several "Candid Camera" specials for NBC, "That's Incredible" for ABC, and comedy showcases for HBO featuring stars such as Roseanne Barr and Dolly Parton. He was also instrumental in the creation of ABC's comedy anthology series "Love, American Style," which famously led to the spin-off "Happy Days."
Establishing his own venture, DY Productions, Yarnell shifted his focus to documentary filmmaking. A notable project was the first television biography of Billy Wilder for PBS's "American Masters" series in 1998. His deep affection for Hollywood was evident in his production of series like "AFI 100 Years," a TNT series comprising ten hour-long specials that celebrated American cinema, and ABC's "Television’s Greatest Performances Part I & II."
Yarnell commenced his illustrious career in radio, eventually becoming the program director for Channel 5 in New York. This path was forged after completing his legal education at Brooklyn Law School and his artistic studies at the Cooper Union School of Art in Manhattan, the latter inspiring his pursuit of a career in media. At Channel 5, he pioneered the weekly radio program "Firing Line" with William F. Buckley and oversaw the radio broadcasts of Muhammad Ali's fights. His transition to television saw him assume executive roles at Metromedia, RKO General, and Screen Gems.
Born on March 14, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, David Yarnell's enduring legacy is carried on by his wife, CAA agent Toni Howard. Together, they founded the Toni and David Yarnell Merit Award of Excellence in Architecture and Art at Cooper Union, a philanthropic endeavor aimed at fostering the next generation of creative talents, ensuring that Yarnell's profound impact on the arts continues for years to come.