Dick Clark dead from massive heart attack
By Alexandra Heilbron on April 18, 2012 | 21 Comments
Dick Clark, who hosted American Bandstand and then New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, died this morning in Los Angeles from a massive heart attack. He was 82 years old, but for years his nickname was “America’s Oldest Teenager.” Dick began as a Philadelphia radio DJ in 1952. Not long after, he began hosting a local TV show called Bandstand, which featured teenagers dancing to current music hits. When ABC picked up the show for national coverage, it was renamed American Bandstand and big name guests of the time such as Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Fabian and Frankie Avalon were invited. In 1963, Dick and the show moved to Los Angeles, where he formed Dick Clark Productions. The company produced other shows as well and in 1972, Dick began hosting an annual New Year’s Eve special from Times Square in New York City. Regis Philbin filled in when Dick suffered a stroke in 2004 that left him partially paralyzed. Despite having trouble speaking, he returned the following year and in the past few years, had shared the hosting duties with Ryan Seacrest. Dick is survived by his third wife Kari and his three children.
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Rest in peace. New years parties won’t be the same without you.
America’s oldest teenager…all I can think of is Peter Pan..if there ever was a real one. FOREVER YOUNG.
RIP and thanks for starting my love of dancing with the American Bandstand
Sorry, Ryan. Dick Clark WAS New Year’s Eve. And Pyramid to this day remains one of, if not, the best game show ever.
I am a little young to remember Bandstand but I will always remember Dick Clark with fondness. The entertainment industry has lost a giant.
He had a great life, little to regret. RIP to America’s oldest ‘teen’, he brought us music and start of New Years and was always thought of fondly.
RIP Dick Clark. You were the only one I watched New Years Eve.
His last words were “wehagaba kego bagawa”
Happy New Year …
Shocked to hear this news!
I was just recently watching Mad About You again and in one episode, Paul is filming the two guys who drop the ball on New Year’s Eve and, as always, Paul finds a way to screw it up. It was watching Dick Clark sitting at home, appalled by what he was watching and saying “this wouldn’t have happened if I was there” and his wife in the background saying something like “let it go” that I will remember always with laughter. He was truly a funny man. From American Bandstand to the Pyramid game shows on…Dick Clark was an American Icon. To his family and children, I thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us.
Thanks for the great memories!!!! R. I. P.
I used to rush home from school to watch American Bandstand!!! I’m showing my age, I guess. I remember seeing Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Chubby Checker etc on his show. It was sad to see him on New Years Eve the last couple of years, but I admire him for getting in front of the camera even though his speech was impaired.I didn’t realize that he was 82!!!!
RIP,& thanks for the memories!!!!
I remember rushing home from school to watch American Bandstand. Guess that dates me! I saw Frankie Avalon, Fabian, & Chubby Checker to name a few, perform on the show. It was sad seeing Dick on the New Year’s Eve shows, but I admire him for appearing on camera when he had a speech problem after his stroke.
RIP, & thanks for the memories!
My deepest condolences to the family,may all the good memories live on and sustain them.He is same age as I am and we began our respective careers at the same time. Another wonderful person to grace God’s heaven.
Yes, we will miss you! RIP.
Another childhood memory gone. Those were the really good old days. Will always love Dick Clark for all he did. R.I.P.
Its hard to believe. I wish his Family all the best. Must be very difficult for them! I’m sorry for your loss.
My condolances to the family. RIP Dick, you were definitely loved by all and will definitely be missed. New Years Eve will never be the same!!
I used to love watching American Bandstand :))
RIP Dick Clark, you brought much joy to many people and will be greatly missed 🙁
Roses are Red
Vylets are blue
Some day we’ll all be dead
Just like you.
Nancy, I remember American Bandstand! It was one of my most favourite shows!! I Didn’t watch much tv back then. But I Loved that show!! I’ll Always remember it with some of my Favourite singers! Rest In Peace…
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