David Hartman Biography

Actor, producer, television host. Born David Downs Hartman on May 19, 1935 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The son of German immigrants, David Hartman grew up singing and playing a number of musical instruments. His father was a Methodist minister who turned to ad agency sales to better support the family. The young Hartman attended Duke University where he majored in economics and pursued acting on the side. After serving in the Air Force, he returned to the States to pursue an acting career in earnest.

In 1964, David Hartman won a supporting role in the original 1964 Broadway production of Hello Dolly. This high point was followed by several forgettable films and television projects. Financial success came nearly a decade later when he became the first host of Good Morning America in 1975. He stayed with the show for 11 years, also serving as writer and producer, and helped it become No. 1 during his tenure. He has won several Emmy and journalism awards and is also known for his documentaries.

David Hartman was married to television producer Maureen Downey from 1974 until her death in 1997; they have four children. He has one child with his second wife, Mary.

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