TV Producer & Host Dick Clark Dies After Massive Heart Attack
- Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:42pm by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
America has lost a media legend today. Famed television producer Dick Clark has died following a heart attack, TMZ reports:
Clark…”New Year‘s Rockin’ Eve” host — died from a massive heart attack this morning … TMZ has learned.
He was 82.
Details surrounding his death are unclear, but Clark had suffered a significant stroke in 2004 — forcing him to retire from his hosting gig at “New Years‘ Rockin’ Eve,” which he created in 1972.
Ryan Seacrest took over in 2006. Dick has co-hosted the show ever since.
Before suffering a stroke, Clark told Larry King he suffered from Type 2 diabetes.
Clark has been married 3 times — and has 3 children from his first two marriages. He is survived by his current wife Kari Wigton.
According to ABC News, Paul Scheffrin, Clark’s agent, confirmed the news and the following statement was released:
Entertainment Icon Dick Clark passed away this morning (Wednesday) at the age of 82 following a massive heart attack it was announced by his family. Clark, 82, had entered St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica last night for an outpatient procedure. Attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful. He is survived by his wife Kari and his three children, RAC, Duane and Cindy.
Clark had continued performing even after he suffered a stroke in 2004 that affected his ability to speak and walk.
Long dubbed “the world’s oldest teenager” because of his boyish appearance, Clark bridged the rebellious new music scene and traditional show business, and equally comfortable whether chatting about music with Sam Cooke or bantering with Ed McMahon about TV bloopers. He thrived as the founder of Dick Clark Productions, supplying movies, game and music shows, beauty contests and more to TV. Among his credits: “The $25,000 Pyramid,“ ”TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes” and the American Music Awards.
“There‘s hardly any segment of the population that doesn’t see what I do,” Clark told The Associated Press in a 1985 interview. “It can be embarrassing. People come up to me and say, `I love your show,‘ and I have no idea which one they’re talking about.”
As a host, he had the smooth delivery of a seasoned radio announcer. As a producer, he had an ear for a hit record. He also knew how to make wary adults welcome this odd new breed of music in their homes.
His stroke in December 2004 forced him to miss his annual appearance on “Dick Clark‘s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” He returned the following year and, although his speech at times was difficult to understand, many praised his bravery, including other stroke victims.
Still speaking with difficulty, he continued taking part in his New Year’s shows, though in a diminished role. Ryan Seacrest became the main host.
“I‘m just thankful I’m still able to enjoy this once-a-year treat,” he told The Associated Press by e-mail in December 2008 as another New Year’s Eve approached.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 688 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 536 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 460 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 374 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 333 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 304 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 316 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 215 Comments- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 148 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 301 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 304 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (69)
LeadNotFollow
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:53pm…
Report Post »R.I.P. Mr. Clark.
You will be greatly missed.
db321
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 5:36pmThank you Mr. Dick Clark for the years of Memories – a much more innocent time – when being an American meant something – I believe you made a good choice taking Ryan Seacrest under your arms – Ryan is one of the hardest working person in Hollywood.
You made so many good choices in life and you will be missed!
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 6:44pmYes it was a better time, and he brought grace and kindness to great times and rock ‘n roll. God bless and keep you Mr Clark.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 8:05pmDick Clark…you get a 10 out of 10…because in my day, you made life “easy to dance to”. Thanks for everything and rest in peace.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:53pmDick Clark’s death is another passing of the good days of America. We have gone from a white, peaceful, prosperous country to a third world dump in 70 years. We have gutless politicians to thank. Now we are being ruined by an illegal, marxist president. RIP Dick Clark…you left just in time.
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 5:42pmthegreatcarnac, RIP Dick Clark…you left just in time.
Very insightful.
Report Post »CW3147
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:49pmNow I have no reason to watch the Ball drop. The other people on there are not worth watching.
Report Post »db321
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 5:38pmI 2nd that! I only tune in to watch a part of my youth every time Mr. Clark came on!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:41pmThey should not have put him on tv after the stroke. It was painful to watch him struggle to speak.
Report Post »All the greats are passing on and all we have left to replace them are self-absorbed, loony, brats, whose mouths are in drive, but their brains are in park.
RIP Mr. Clark
spirited
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 5:59pmAlthough, yes –it was “painful” to see what happened to Dick Clark after his stroke, it was good to see him and his endless energy and joy. It was like seeing an ill, or dying loved one. Over-looking their short-comings and inabilities…. while remembering, and hoping who you ‘knew’ will return; knowing that is not probable nor possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dick Clark,
Thank you for many years of your revolutionary and iconic programs that entertained, informed, inspired and celebrated.
>Condolences to your family.
Report Post »ohiowordguy
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 11:33pmHis first year back after the stroke, it was difficult to watch. But he OWNED the show, so it was his choice to continue. He worked hard to try and speak clearly, and it showed in successive years.
Frankly, I think it showed great courage to come back after such a debilitating stroke. You could see in his eyes he absolutely thrived on doing the show. Won’t be the same without him…
Ten out of 10, Dick. RIP
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:37pmAfter his Stroke… it was Creepy to see him on TV! Who was trying to prove What to Whom?
Report Post »chips1
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 5:00pmHe tried to prove that life goes on and you don’t just quit. He never quit. God invested a lot in him and was very pleased. God also has a Hall of Fame.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 8:03pm@CHIPS1
Report Post »ROFL :) Now, that’s special :)
fedupdaily
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:32pmYears ago my brother and I ran into Dick Clark, his wife, and another couple. He talked with us, shook our hands, and signed an autograph. He was a very kind, gracious and humble man without an entourage shadowing him. We will miss him. May God Bless and mend the broken hearts of all of his family.
Report Post »summerafternoon
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:32pmOh… Dick Clark will be missed by many… Some of the great American icons are passing away into the history that made America great. Dick Clark is one of those gentle giants!
Report Post »wboehmer
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:30pmDick Clark’s influence in the music scene is unequalled.
Sad to think that he’s gone.
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:28pmOne of the “Good Guys” —
Will be fondly remembered for some good times.
(I especially like $100,000 Pyramid)
Report Post »HKS
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:24pmA lot of people will miss him dearly, he is an icon of many generations. It’s truly a sad day.
Report Post »txblaze
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:19pmRIP America’s oldest teenager.
Report Post »NutterButter79
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:16pmRest in peace Dick Clark.
Report Post »He was a revolutionary in the field of TV. He paved the way for shows like American Idol, Top of the Pops, and countless other music shows. He was MTV before there was MTV.
bigspike
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:13pmmy prayers are with his family and friends
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:04pmRest In Peace Mr Clark.
A legend has passed, may his influence and memory remain alive for the ages.
Report Post »Fishmanone
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:03pmThoughts and prayers go out to his family. THE music icon has left us! Rest in peace Mr. Music Man!!!!!!
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:02pmThis closes out an era for sure.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:05pmIndeed.
Report Post »imaginenoprogressives
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:01pmRIP Dick Clark. Remembering American Bandstand takes me back to a time when the White House wasn’t full of commies. Ahhh, those were the days!
Report Post »susie4dy
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:00pmVery sad! He made rock and roll famous for so many!
Report Post »RougeFastFingers
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:55pmHe had a good life, shame it had that kind of ending.
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:55pmOne of the last good guys. RIP Dick.
Report Post »Small World
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:54pmSo sad. God rest his soul.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:50pmRIP .. Rock’n in heaven. God Speed.
Condolences to the family.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 4:08pmAmerican Bandstand & Soul Train both shows were outstanding! Rating his record, I liked that his beating heart lasted all these years and he gave us the music talent for us to easily dance to. He was a class-act & seemed to be such a gentle soul. I pray he had a close & personal relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Report Post »Thanks for the memories, Dick Clark!
starman70
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:47pmAs a teenager, growing up in the late 50′s, all I can say is we now have the passing of another LEGEND.
MAY GOD REST HIS SOUL.
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:47pmWill miss Dick Clark and have missed American Bandstand for a long time. RIP.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 3:46pmLet Auld Aquantince Be Forgot
But not you, Dick
Report Post »RIPeace