Entertainment Legend Dick Clark Passes Away

LOS ANGELES: The legendary radio and TV personality Dick Clark has passed away at the age of 82, with an outpouring of tributes coming from the entertainment industry.

Clark suffered a heart attack while being treated for an outpatient procedure at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. Clark had a debilitating stroke in 2004, after which he had to learn to walk and talk again.

Often called "America’s oldest living teenage," Clark began his broadcast career working at a radio station managed by his father. He rose to fame as the host of American Bandstand, later receiving a spin-off with The Dick Clark Show. He led the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square for more than 40 years, later passing the torch to Ryan Seacrest.

Of Clark’s passing, Seacrest commented: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life."

U.S. President Barack Obama also commented on the passing of the icon: "For 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year. But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel—as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was."

Daniel M. Snyder, the chairman of Dick Clark Productions, and Mark Shapiro, the company’s CEO, issued the following statements: "One of the real draws when we purchased Dick Clark Productions was the opportunity to build on the tremendous foundation of programming that this icon of American broadcasting created," Snyder said. "I got to know Dick over the past five years and he was just as personable and warm in person as he was on television. Once you got to know Dick, it was obvious why he was so beloved by his fans. He was in every sense of the word, a giant. Dick Clark will be sorely missed. He was truly one of a kind."

Shapiro added: "Dick Clark was an American institution. He was able to replicate the magic he brought to American Bandstand, not once but several times, through the Golden Globes, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and thousands of hours of programming in almost every genre imaginable. He was the first of his kind—a pioneer, entrepreneur and creative visionary who bridged and cultivated the music scene with traditional show business. Dick Clark entertained and touched the lives of several generations. He is truly irreplaceable and will be greatly missed by the employees of our company and millions of fans worldwide."