David Hartman (born May 19, 1935) is an American former actor who became a prominent television journalist and presenter. He rose to national recognition in the 1970s as a dramatic actor, then made a high-profile transition to broadcast television as the inaugural anchor and host of ABC's Good Morning America. Hartman later focused on documentary and history programming for cable and public television.

Career overview

Hartman’s professional life can be divided into two principal phases: acting and broadcasting. In the earlier phase he worked as a television and film actor, playing leading and supporting roles in network series and TV movies. Beginning in the mid-1970s he moved into live television, becoming the first main host of a new national morning program. He remained a morning-show anchor for more than a decade before shifting his attention to documentary hosting and reporting.

Notable roles and programs

  • The Bold Ones: The New Doctors — Hartman played Dr. Paul Hunter, one of his best-known dramatic television roles in the early 1970s.
  • Lucas Tanner — he portrayed a teacher in this series, further establishing his presence in television drama.
  • Miracle on 34th Street (1973) — Hartman appeared in the television remake of the classic story.
  • Good Morning America — as the program’s original host from 1975 to 1987, he helped shape the format and tone of modern morning news and entertainment television.
  • Documentary and history work — after leaving the morning show, Hartman anchored and hosted historical and documentary programs on cable networks and on PBS, focusing on biography, cultural history, and historical inquiry.

Impact and legacy

Hartman is notable for successfully crossing the divide between scripted acting and live journalism at a time when that shift was uncommon. His long tenure on a major network morning program helped define the role of the personable, conversational anchor who combines news, interviews, and human-interest material. In later years his documentary work emphasized historical storytelling and public education, extending his career as a communicator beyond daily news into longer-form narratives.

Later life

While no longer a daily network anchor, Hartman has remained active in television through hosting and narration roles, particularly in programs that explore history and culture for general audiences. He is remembered both for his television drama performances and for the steady, approachable presence he brought to morning news broadcasting.