David James Myers was born on 8 September 1957 in Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, England. He was the son of Jim Myers and Margaret Myers. His father was employed as a foreman in a paper mill. His mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and Myers and his father became her carers. He learned to cook at the age of 11, making simple pies and stews, and described his mother — who died when he was 23 — as “a fabulous cook.”

He attended Barrow-in-Furness Grammar School for Boys, where he had an inspirational art teacher. He went on to earn a fine art degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, and a master’s degree in art history. Myers then became a professional make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics. He met Si King in 1995 on the set of the TV drama The Gambling Man. King was the second assistant director and Myers was head of prosthetics, hair and make-up.

Their first appearance on UK television as presenters was The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook (2004–2008), which combined cooking with motorcycling travelogues. They created numerous follow-up series and published more than 25 cookery books.

Liliana Orzac was at his side, along with Si King, when he died peacefully at home on 28 February 2024. Myers was diagnosed with cancer in May 2022. He chose not to reveal the type of cancer he had, preferring to keep some details private