David Gest, 62, found dead in London hotel

LONDON, April 12 (UPI) -- American producer and reality star David Gest was found dead in a London hotel, a friend has confirmed. He was 62 years old.

In a statement released late Monday, Imad Handi established Gest as a "natural star and genuine celebrity," saying he had died in England on April 12.

"David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon," Handi said.

"I know he will be missed by millions of fans around the world, and particularly in Britain, who came to love his charm and blistering one-liners."

According to a police statement obtained by BBC, Gest was discovered by authorities in the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf Tuesday morning, local time. Police say they have not discovered reason to be suspicious of foul play.

"A post-mortem will be held in due course," the police statement continued. "Next of kin are in the process of being informed."

Gest, most recently a personality on Celebrity Big Brother, is the long estranged husband of singer Liza Minnelli, from whom he separated in 2003 after about a year of marriage.