Dick Clark Dead: Iconic Television Personality and ACM Awards Producer Gone at 82
One of the most recognizable faces in television history has died. Dick Clark, whose credits include ‘American Bandstand,’ ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ and executive producer lines on shows like the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 82.
TMZ reported the story Wednesday afternoon. A representative says that Clark was recently at St. John’s hospital in Los Angeles after undergoing an outpatient procedure. He suffered a massive heart attack following the procedure and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
“Dick Clark. What is there to say… You’ve done it all, rest in peace,” Rascal Flatts‘ Jay DeMarcus said on Twitter. Indeed, one has to believe that “America’s oldest teenager” left very few items crossed off of his bucket list. Clark began a radio career in 1952, but quickly launched ‘American Bandstand’ soon after. By 1963 he had moved to Hollywood and opened Dick Clark Productions, which became synonymous with some of the most famous shows on television, including the ACM Awards, Golden Globe Awards and American Music Awards.
Following a severe stroke in 2004, Clark turned the reins of ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ over to first Regis Philbin and more recently Ryan Seacrest, but fans still waited in anticipation ring in the new year with Clark. “I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again,” he said during his first appearance since the stroke. “It’s been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect but I’m getting there.” Clark was there to count down in 2012, just three and a half months ago.
The legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is survived by his three children and his third wife Keri Wigton, to whom he’d been married since 1977. “Rest In Peace, Dick Clark. You were every musician’s friend,” Chely Wright echoed on Twitter.
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