It is another sad announcement in Hollywood as news of beloved producer David Yarnell’s death was reported late on Monday, February 2. He had passed away the week before, on January 28. His wife, Toni Howard, confirmed the news, Deadline reports. Yarnell was 96.
David Yarnell’s Life & Legacy
Yarnell worked behind the scenes on many projects, most notably the drama “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” starring Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant. Other credits include “Firing Line,” “Candid Camera, Love, American Style,” “That’s Incredible,” and “In Concert.”
Yarnell’s Emmy nomination came for his role in producing and directing the Joe Bob Briggs programs for TNT, Deadline reports. He was also responsible for producing the film “Deep in My Heart” with Anne Bancroft. Bancroft won a Primetime Emmy Award for this role.
During Yarnell’s impressive career, he worked with many big celebrities, including producing comedy-variety specials for HBO, which featured stars like Roseanne Barr and Dolly Parton. Yarnell spoke about his career in a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, including how he got into showbiz and his early work. This includes creating a weekly radio show called “Firing Line” hosted by William F. Buckley.
“I reached out to William F. Buckley in the early 1960s, and he agreed to do a weekly show. And I give myself credit — or I condemn myself — for getting an authentic conservative voice on [the air],” he said. “Then I did specials and I became a hired hand and worked with David Frost. I did a boxing match with Muhammad Ali, who was still under his original name of Cassius Clay. And I kind of whispered to him, ‘I need seven rounds to get all the commercials in.’ And he winked — and knocked him [Zora Folley] out in the seventh round. Then I was doing a weekly rock and roll music show, and I decided I should be in Los Angeles.”
Remembering David Yarnell
Yarnell is survived by his wife, who is a CAA agent, and she was with him at the time of his death. The couple had been married since 1989, Deadline reports. They also worked together to establish the Toni and David Yarnell Merit Award of Excellence in Architecture and Art at Cooper Union. This was their contribution to emerging talents.
After the news of Yarnell’s passing, Searchlight Pictures paid tribute to him on Instagram. “Rest in Peace to our friend and veteran producer David Yarnell, a beloved member of the Searchlight family,” the caption reads.
