David Kernan

David Stanley Kernan (23 June 1938 – 26 December 2023) was an English actor, best known as an interpreter of the songs of Stephen Sondheim. Kernan appeared in stage musicals and was a soloist in various British variety shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s including That Was the Week That Was (1962–1963).

Early life David Stanley Kernan was born 23 June 1938 in East Ham, London, to Joseph and Lily ( Russell) Kernan. His father abandoned the family shortly after his birth. At the age of four, Kernan was sent to live with his grandmother in Oxford.

A short time later, Kernan began acting with the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players. He also made two appearances on BBC TV's long running music hall variety show, The Good Old Days, in the 1970s and 1980s.

Television Kernan made his television debut singing with Millicent Martin on the BBC current affairs series Tonight. Producer Ned Sherrin so liked the pair that he hired them to appear on That Was the Week That Was in 1962.

Personal life and death Kernan entered into a civil partnership with Stuart Forsyth in 2008. The pair married in 2014. He was survived by his husband, Stuart Forsyth.

Filmography