Born and raised in Los Angeles, David Wader’s passion for television developed as a means of inexpensive entertainment and escape. Having foregone education at fifteen, Wader began work as a roadie, traveling throughout California. It was not until he was honorably discharged from the army that he took advantage of the G.I. Bill and enrolled in college. It was at school where he rediscovered his interest in television, this time in production.
Beginning his career as a tape operator for Video Cassette Industries, Wader transitioned to stage management with the bilingual program Villa Alegre in 1977. Since then, his strong work ethic and leadership skills earned him long runs on countless variety specials including Circus of the Stars and Star Search, and awards shows including the American Music Awards, The Grammys, and The Academy Awards. Wader’s expertise led to long-standing relationships with production companies like Dick Clark Productions and Bob Stivers Productions, and Variety Directors like Walter C. Miller.
Wader also worked on multi-camera episodic television shows such as Bosom Buddies, Roc, Three’s Company, Sanford and Son, and In Living Color, as well as movies for television such as The Rainmaker, Return Engagement and Halloween with the New Addams Family.
For his 35-plus year career as a stage manager, the National Council of La Raza honored Wader with an Outstanding Career Achievement award in 2008.