AceShowbiz - David Fantle, a dedicated historian who devoted his life to preserving the stories of Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away unexpectedly at age 66 following a cardiovascular emergency at his Milwaukee home on Tuesday.

David Fantle was renowned for his unparalleled access to classic film stars, which he began cultivating as a teenager in the 1970s alongside his friend and writing partner Tom Johnson. Together, they interviewed a remarkable array of legends from Hollywood’s most celebrated era, capturing candid insights that might otherwise have been lost to time.

One memorable moment from their early career occurred in 1980 when the duo visited the home of the acclaimed director Vincente Minnelli. Fantle recalled that the house resembled the crumbling mansion of Norma Desmond from Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard. Minnelli shared with them how Judy Garland, his future wife, initially resisted starring in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), fearing the role might hinder her career. The film, however, would become a timeless musical classic and one of Garland’s most cherished performances.

Throughout his life, Fantle was passionate about documenting the Golden Age, conducting interviews that brought forth stories from stars who rarely opened up. His 2018 book, Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews With Golden Age Legends, co-written with Johnson, features these rare conversations. Robert Wagner praised the book’s tenacity in its foreword, noting how these stars seldom revealed their true selves to outsiders.

Earlier, the pair also collaborated on a 2009 project titled Reel to Real: 25 Years of Celebrity Interviews From Vaudeville to Movies to TV. Starting at just 18 years old, Fantle employed the skills he later honed in a 40-year public relations career, using persistence and respect to gain access to stars and elicit revealing interviews.

In their Minneapolis high school days, Fantle and Johnson would send out dozens of letters to celebrities and often received half back. They called agents or caretakers, and traveled to Los Angeles with little money, interviewing stars across Beverly Hills while dressed in three-piece suits. Johnson described Fantle as a loyal friend and relentless interviewer, someone who refused to be dismissed by gatekeepers and always found a way to connect with Hollywood’s elite.

Fantle’s interview subjects covered a wide spectrum of Hollywood icons. Lucille Ball nearly turned them away, but relented; James Cagney welcomed them to dinner after initial skepticism; Fred Astaire performed a dance just for them; and Mel Brooks kept them entertained with his humor.

They interviewed married stars Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, with Curtis humbly remarking he felt as if he had “snuck in” to Hollywood success. Casablanca co-screenwriter Julius Epstein provided commentary on inaccuracies in film history books, while Jerry Lewis, known for his gruff demeanor, opened up several times. Charlton Heston spoke candidly on his tennis court, and Gregory Peck welcomed the young historians to his Bel-Air home. Bob Hope, ever humble, rejected the "legend" label, warning that self-importance can be dangerous.

Gene Kelly shared his experiences working with Judy Garland on Summer Stock (1950), praising her quickness in learning dance steps despite not being trained. He also discussed the "Moses Supposes" routine from Singin' in the Rain (1952), lamenting how it is often misunderstood by critics as mere zany comedy, when it was a carefully rehearsed dance number with Donald O’Connor. The Kelly family maintained close ties with Fantle and Johnson, sending holiday cards annually and inviting them for repeat visits.

Fantle recalled Kelly’s critique of modern musicals, noting that film editors had become the choreographers, and that many productions suffer or succeed based on editing rather than choreography. Debbie Reynolds expressed heartbreak over the dismantling of MGM’s backlot and memorabilia under Kirk Kerkorian’s ownership, which motivated her to personally intervene in auctions to save pieces of Hollywood history. She lamented the industry’s failure to protect its own cultural heritage.

Johnson emphasized that their respectful approach to interviewing these legends made the stars warm up quickly and share their stories more openly. Beyond Hollywood, Fantle made significant contributions in public relations over four decades, holding leadership roles at Visit Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, and the United Performing Arts Fund. He also contributed to education by serving on the board of the Holocaust Education Resource Center and teaching film and public relations courses at Marquette University.

One of Fantle’s notable achievements was spearheading the campaign to erect the iconic bronze statue of Henry Winkler as "The Fonz" in Milwaukee, known affectionately as the "Bronze Fonz." This statue has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Winkler himself reached out with condolences to Fantle’s family after his passing, joking that without the statue, he would have little to discuss.

David Fantle’s passing leaves a significant void in the world of film history preservation, public relations, and local arts advocacy. He is remembered as a true friend, a gentleman, and a tireless champion of Hollywood's golden past.

Donations in memory of Fantle can be made to organizations supporting film preservation and education.