David N. Kendall

David was a mensch in the truest sense of the word.
He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime: to direct the pilot of The Expanding Universe of
Ashley Garcia, which he and Seth Kurland so beautifully created.
The tone on a set starts from the top, and David led with kindness, warmth, humor, and deep respect. Because of him, we became more than a crew—we became a family.
Those memories are ones I will forever cherish.
As fellow directors in the kids’ space, our paths crossed often. If I was stepping onto a show he had already worked on, I’d reach out—and he was always generous with his time, his insight, and his encouragement.
One memory of David will always stay with me.
The year before we shot Ashley Garcia, my mom, sister, and I took a trip to New York. While walking through Central Park, I heard my name—and there was David, sitting alone on a bench, in town mentoring Jack and his crew on a short film. He was as warm and charming as ever when I introduced him to my family.
Hours later, on a subway across the city, we heard a voice call out—
“Myrna!”
We turned, and there was David again, smiling, with Jack and his crew behind him. The fact that he remembered my mother’s name, and chose to call out to her in that moment, was so thoughtful, so generous, and so completely David.
He had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued.
I will forever keep him in my heart.
xo Jody

"You'll thank me in post! You'll thank me in post!" Those are the joyous words I hear ringing in my ears today. The wonderfully manic, energetic and completely adorable David Kendall getting a shot or coverage we don't need but HE knows we need. And he was always right. That loud, high-pitched positivity with a slight scratch at the back of the throat that echoed through the set and always ended with a huge smile when he was done. I love that smile. A man who loved what he did — and a man so incredibly lovely doing it. When it was David's week to direct, the crew knew it was going to be more work — more shots and more set-ups — but nobody cared because we all loved him. Everyone. How could you not? David was so caring and encouraging to the young actors on the set and so respectful to everyone in the studio regardless of title or position. I learned so much from David just watching him work — so technical and organized but so playful at the same time. His effervescence was contagious as he never allowed the challenges of "working with kids" to frustrate him. I don't believe I ever saw him mad or angry - as he showed me how you can plow your way through those challenges and get back to that glorious smile. So wonderful, so enthusiastic, so encouraging, so professional and so huggable — a mensch in every sense of the word. I love him.

David – so perceptive and pithy – “References are not jokes!” “There’s a difference between an opinion and a useful opinion!” – so funny and quick with an appreciative laugh or critique (His take on the movie Days of Heaven – “What was that? A film about wheat?”) When he loved a director there was no more loyal fan – I mean, he liked Godfather III – When you had David’s love it didn’t go away. Legendarily thoughtful – He would call me every year on the same date to thank me for hiring him as a term writer on Growing Pains (of course several other folks were instrumental in making that happen – Robb Rothman, Ben and Ginny, etc.) I told him his writing made it an easy call. And he showed a great eye and touch as a director from his very first episode.
On the job, David knew how to defend the things that mattered and ignore the petty stuff. He knew how to handle divas (a specialty) whether they worked in the C-Suite or the props department.
Away from the job, he knew faith and doubt walk together as inseparable companions in this life. He worked both sides of that problem deeply, with Wendy and his family in the center of his love. To paraphrase the poet John O’Donahue, although his days here were briefer than we expected, his spirit was “alive, awake, and complete.”
And is even now.

Getting the chance to work with David on Ashley Garcia was such a pleasure & the biggest joy. David always had the brightest smile that could make anyone’s day even better. I remember when David directed the last episode of our show, I was in awe of his work ethic & how technical David was about everything - & I do mean EVERYTHING. We would run all the scenes many of times until we nailed them to a T. He was very particular of the blocking & certain ways to make jokes land stronger. He was truly a genius in his craft & I’m beyond grateful to have been able to watch him in the zone as well as learn from him. David was truly special, & I cherish every moment I spent being part of the Ashley Garcia family. Truly unforgettable. David will always hold a special place in my heart.

Sending my deepest condolences & love. Rest well, dear David

David was quick witted, generous, had the kindest eyes and the most infectious smile. 

Wherever he was, David made you feel included. 

He was always unapologetically himself. 

David could be very intense- but it was because he knew his stuff and was passionate about making great art.  He was always thinking, always processing, always doing his best to make it work. Always making it FUNNIER. He was also silly and goofy; he had the most generous heart, sharp wit and zany energy. 

He had the utmost care for his actors and fellow crew members. If something was bothering me or up in my life he’d text or call me daily to touch base. Just to make sure I was ok. 

He believed in me, was supportive and always there to help or give advice. 

We’d chat about keys to a successful marriage, he was so grateful to have an incredible rock and loving spouse in Wendy. He also loved to chat with my husband, Matt. I’d ask David’s fashion advice once in a while which made him laugh. We’d talk shop, the business, shoot the shit, speak about being scared and/or sad, but mostly it was really all joy and support. 

David cultivated an environment of trust and love and he somehow would hand pick the best people to come together that would form an on-set family. 

Some of my proudest moments I’ve had in life were working side by side with David on a show/ in a world he created or helped create. 

There is truly not a moment of time I spent with him that I take for granted. He was a dear, dear friend. I would consider him a mentor, but above all he was just David, my dear, dear friend, David. 

David always said a couple things. 
“Good people should know good people.”
“Every day is a gift.” 

Thank you, David, for bringing us all together and making every day a gift. 

My heart goes out to Wendy, Eve, Jack and Emma, David’s folks and his siblings and close family. 

With love,
Your friend, Kalia 

I first met David around 2010 or 2011 on a Disney show called Pair of Kings. He swept onto that stage like a whirling dervish, just nonstop movement and energy. And his mind moved so quickly. Many struggled to keep up. I thought he was wonderful. And then when he hit me with one of his David jokes, I was hooked. I remember his little giggle as he looked at me and said, "You get me, Carolita. You get me." I did indeed get him, and I adored him. We crossed paths a couple of times after that, until we did a full season together on Ashley Garcia. That's when "Carolita" became "CB"--a fun shorthand that David came up with. Of course that meant he had to become "DK," and I don't think we ever called each other by our given names again. When everyone else was busy with the holidays, he always remembered my birthday, which is on Christmas. He'd send a "HBD CB" greeting, because by this point, we had advanced to using initials and acronyms for everything. Sometimes, an entire sentence would come my way...as an acronym. He seemed tickled that I would always figure it out and respond in kind. David was such a cool dude, a truly kind, conscientious, wonderful human being--the best kind of person there is. Such a presence. I really miss him.

Thinking of David today and sending love from afar. I had such a wonderful time working with him on Ashley Garcia and I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, laughter and belief in me. He made being on set so much fun and I feel lucky to have crossed paths with him, even for a short time. My heart is with his family and everyone who loved him. You will be deeply missed, David. Thank you for everything. May you rest peacefully. ❤️

Always generous always collaborative always hilarious and always ready to do a bit. Here’s a photo of us fighting over a autograph picture of Sterling Knight from Melissa and Joey. A truly wonderful person in a business where that’s hard to come by. Too soon.
Xo

So it’s 10/2/26 this is the day 136 years ago that Julius Henry Groucho Marx was born! Why do I know this? Because since 1977 when Groucho passed away my cousin David would Call Fax Email txt Zoom face time me to remind me that this Is Groucho’s Birthday! It also reminded me that David’s Bday was just 2 days away.
What really sucks is this year I received no call txt DM VM FT IG I had to remember myself! It’s such an empty feeling not hearing from David. It was this annual remembrance that would bring back all the wonderful memories of our childhood and teen years! When I would sleep over first at 5210 Overbrook then at 231 Brydon Rd high atop DK’s bunk bed listening to Groucho at Carnegie Hall hosted by Dick Cavitt with the overture performed by Marvin Hamlisch!
Hello I must be going into Hooray for Captain Spaulding The African explorer/Did someone call me Schnorer Hooray Hooray Hooray!
Then my favorite tune-Everybody works but father which I can still sing in Yiddish because my cuz turned me onto the bros Marx!
Plus there was Master Haywood Allen’s Moose Story and Reiner and Brooks 2001 yr old man! We listened to every album on the phonograph laughing ourselves to sleep! What I didn’t know was that my 15 yr old cuzzin was becoming a comedy writer right before my tired eyes!
David had the greatest of brains when it came to articulating his comedic brilliance! Hence the irony of his insidious disease plays so cruel to those who knew loved and was inspired by his immense witticisms!
I’m completely crushed for my loving Aunt and Uncle-Susan -Jimmy -Eve -Jack and Emma
And OfCourse his fabulous wife who I envy for being the love of his life…. We are all blessed to have been in The Wynnewood Wizards life.
We loved Sleepaway camp
Playing for Team Tanalo. We loved teaching each other how to Juggle and the ensuing performances we both loved!
If you could only see the smile on my face right now as I think of the best of times…..
Cheers to all
Especially our dear friend Brian ORourke who completed us!!
😍😍

I love to have connected with so many friends and co workers of David’s over the years! You know who you are and I appreciate your loving words to our family…..

One final comment from me so you know exactly how great David was: No matter when or where David was and if he was passing through The NY NJ tri State he would reach out to me to come over and say hi or say let’s go see his aunt and uncle my parents both in their 90’s
That’s all you need to know about my cuzzin!
XOOX

I am David's cousin. I was an only child, so David and his brother and sister were like big brothers and sisters to me, even though I didn't see them often. I remember seeing the movie that he made, Luggage of the Gods, and thinking it was hilarious. I remember thinking, wow, I'm related to that guy! Someone I know and look up to made a freakin' MOVIE! It showed me that it was in the realm of possibility to create something; to be an artist. It helped me believe that I, too, could try to be creative and funny and make things that gave people joy. Thank you, David.

When I was added to the writing staff for Melissa and Joey, I hadn't had many good experiences writing for TV shows. The show runners were nervous tyrants who, even though they were writing comedy, weren't all that funny about didn't have much of a sense of humor about themselves. But of course David was hilarious! (Bob was too, but this memorial is about David right now!).

He was so funny and kind and always made me fell like yes, women are as funny as men, and I will forever love him for that. But his generous and loving spirit are what I'll never forget.

Rock on Davdi! Say hi to Don Rickles for me!

xoxo
Julie

My writing partner, Dave Hoge, and I, had the extreme good fortune to know David since the golden days of Growing Pains. Seeing someone so young with that much responsibility, take his job so seriously while still having fun, probably had more impact on us than we’ve ever truly processed. He made time to mentor us by noting our specs when we were “runners”, then helped us make up time on our schedules with his deft directing when we were show runners. We’re so grateful that our paths crisscrossed over the years. His energy was off the charts! As challenging as our series were, David never sacrificed quality and always protected the comedy. He once turned to us in the middle of a stressful time crunch and said, “They don’t air the schedule” and got the shot we needed. On time. Pro! “Cut, cut, cut!” We will miss him terribly.

Back in the late 80s, David and I were writers together on "Growing Pains." It was my first series and we instantly became friends. I was only on the job a few weeks when the producers announced we were all going to Maui to film a special. Here are just a few photos from that trip. Whenever I look at them, I am reminded of David's immense personality, humor, and generosity. Working on the show was a golden time and David, so insightful, often remarked on that even then.

Working with David as he directed multiple episodes of shows (since 1993), the producers always knew we’d get the "best of the best" on the screen when he was at the helm. No one was more prepared (ie. “Prudy as a Giant” on Knight Squad) or more dedicated to directing and delivering the funniest episode, with the biggest production value, on time and on budget. His vibrant energy was infectious on set and challenged all of us to excel. His episodes were often the season’s favorites.

Working with David when he was the Show Runner and Writer, as well as a Director, (as his Producer on The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia) was a total joy and gift for me. I saw him using his multi-hyphenate talents daily as he collaborated with each member of the team at every level, from PAs to crew members to writers and producers…he truly cared about each person and their ideas mattered to him. It’s said that “working closely with the right person can deeply inspire you, transform your perspective, and unlock extraordinary results.” That was what it was like working with David. He was one of the kindest, most generous, funny, and creative people I’ve ever known. I miss his smile, his caring nature, his sense of humor, and how he could always make me laugh.

Over the years, David has made an extraordinary and positive impact on the lives and careers of so many people, including me. I’m forever grateful.

09/12/2019 A candid photograph from the set of The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia which I co-created with Mario Lopez and on which David was my fellow executive producer. From left to right: Eva Longoria, Carl Lauten, David Kendall, Seth Kurland, and Carolita Blythe. We’re watching a rehearsal — well, some us are. I seem to be staring down at my script. At least David is adjusting the volume on his cans so he can hear the actors better. David and I worked side by side every day on Ashley Garcia, and I consider it one of the great gifts of my career that I got to do that with him. Our wonderful director of photography, John (“Johnny”) Simmons, captured this without any of us knowing he was taking the picture.