David Hartman (TV personality) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Hartman
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Hartman at the Society of Experimental Test Pilots banquet in 2002
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David Downs Hartman
May 19, 1935 Pawtucket, Rhode Island, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor Broadcaster |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Spouse(s) | Maureen Downey (1974–1997) (her death) Mary Clark Putman (2001–present) |
David Downs Hartman (born May 19, 1935) is a famous American journalist and TV host. He started his career as an actor. Today, he hosts and narrates documentary shows on channels like History and PBS.
David Hartman is best known as the very first host of ABC's popular morning show, Good Morning America. He hosted the show from 1975 to 1987. Before that, he was an actor. He played a young doctor, Dr. Paul Hunter, in the 1970s TV series The Bold Ones: The New Doctors. He also played a teacher in the show Lucas Tanner. You might also know him from the 1973 TV movie remake of Miracle on 34th Street.
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Early Life of David Hartman
David Hartman was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. His parents were Fannie Rodman (Downs) and Cyril Baldwin Hartman.
David Hartman's Acting Career (1964–1975)
Before becoming a news host, David Hartman was an actor. He performed in two Broadway shows. These were Hello, Dolly! in 1964 and The Yearling in 1965.
He also acted in several movies. Some of these films include The Ballad of Josie (1967) and Nobody's Perfect (1968). After his movie roles, he focused more on television.
In 1969, he appeared in The Virginian. He became well-known for playing a dedicated doctor in The Bold Ones: The New Doctors. This role even earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe award.
David Hartman's News and TV Hosting Career (1975–Present)
On November 3, 1975, David Hartman became the first male co-host of ABC's new morning news show. This show was called Good Morning America. He hosted the show for 11 years, until 1987.
During his time as co-host, Good Morning America was often the most-watched morning news program. Even though David Hartman didn't have a background in journalism, he was very good at his job. He conducted over 12,000 interviews while on the show.
David Hartman often ended each Good Morning America broadcast with a special message. He would say, "Make it a good day today." In 2005, for the show's 30th anniversary, he explained his famous sign-off. He said it showed GMA's belief that people can make their lives positive. He hoped the show was a helpful public service.
After Good Morning America, Hartman hosted many documentaries. These shows appeared on the Discovery Channel and PBS station WNET in New York City. He hosted a series of "Walk Through" documentaries. These shows explored different communities around New York City.
Some of these "Walk Through" documentaries include:
- A Walk Down 42nd Street (1998)
- A Walk Up Broadway (1999)
- A Walk Through Harlem (1999)
- A Walk Around Brooklyn (2000)
- A Walk Through Greenwich Village (2001)
- A Walk Through Central Park (2001)
- A Walk Through Newark (2002)
- A Walk Through Hoboken (2003)
- A Walk Through Queens (2004)
- A Walk Through the Bronx (2005)
- A Walk Around Staten Island (2007)
In 2017, David Hartman received an important award. It was the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Broadcasters.
David Hartman's Personal Life
David Hartman was married to Maureen Downey. They were married from 1974 until she passed away in 1997. In 2001, he married Mary Clark Putman.
