David Kessler (1860-1920) was a prominent actor in the first great era of Yiddish theatre. As a star Yiddish dramatic performer in New York City, he was the first leading man in Yiddish theatre to dispense with incidental music. He was also the manager of his own theatre.

Kessler first began acting in Russia in 1882, then when the theatre was banned through all of Russia, he left for Romania with other actors and performed there.

After touring throughout Romania, Kessler immigrated to the United States where he became well-associated with the Yiddish stage of the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Kessler was also responsible for bringing Yiddish actress Bertha Kalich to the United States.