Dick Clark Death: 5 Little Known Cameos And Productions Of His Career [VIDEO]

Dick Clark was a beloved entertainer, producer, TV show host, and actor. Without his help audiences across the nation may not have discovered bands through 'American Bandstand' or been able to ring in the new year the same way without Clark counting down to the ball dropping.

And while he was well known for his achievements, it was his producing that really put him in the spotlight. Dick Clark productions put some great programming on the air.

Clark also appeared on popular shows of his day that highlighted his brilliant acting chops and spot on comedic timing.

With more than 40 years in the business, Clark logged in some serious TV time. Yet Clark had to slow down in 2004 after a debilitating stroke left him with trouble speaking and moving. He would never host Dick 'Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' on his own again. When he came back to our screens in 2005, he co-hosted with Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest and Clark would co-host the popular new years' program together until 2011. It was one of his last TV appearances.

Below we've complied some of the best little known cameos and productions from Clark's career.

Producing Credits

Clark produced a variety of TV shows for your entertainment, ranging from game shows to talk shows to award shows. Some may be discovered to find Clark produced 'American Dreams,' a drama set in the 1960's that follows a suburban family in finding fulfillment, 'So You Think You Can Dance,' a reality show that began in 2005 that pitted experienced dancers against each other in the hope of winning a converted place on a tour with a pop star, and 'Shaq Vs.,' a show that pitted the basketball great against popular celebrities. His entertainment company also produced the Golden Globes and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Clark gave Jerry Seinfeld his start in television

In the mid-eighties, Jerry Seinfeld was still trying to get his big career. Clark featured him as a standup comic on his short lived show, 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes.' Seinfeld performs some classic material spliced in with some British commercials.

'Shaq Vs. Justin Bieber'

On the final episode of 'Shaq Vs.,' the NBA star goes head to head with tween sensation Justin Bieber. The two have a dance off and play a game of basketball. Can you guess who won?

'So You Think You Can Dance'

Dick Clark Productions produced the popular reality show dance off from 2005 to 2007. The production company was sold later in his life.

Here the season 2 winner, Benji Schwimmer performs a hip hop routine with competitor Travis Wall.

Cameos

'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' 

Clark hosted and starred in a number of shows throughout his storied career. The best part he seemed to play was himself. As his popularity grew, Clark appeared in television show, movies, and documentaries. He appeared in Michael Moore's 'Bowling for Columbine' and 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.'

He had cameos in popular TV sitcoms of the time.

He appeared twice on the 'Fresh Price of Bel Air' show starring Will Smith. In his first appearance he played his most famous character -- himself -- at a Philadelphia diner.

In his second cameo, Clark spoofs his TV program 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes.' Clark helps Smith's character host bloopers for the sitcom.

You can watch the video of it here.

'Dharma & Greg' 

In 2002, just two years before he will suffer a stroke that would affect his speech and physical movements, Clark appeared on the 'Dharma & Greg.'

In an episode entitled 'Mission: Implausible' Greg  is a victim of a prank at college. To get back at the pranksters, he devised a plan that involves that use of a disguise kit. The first disguise he puts on is that of Clark. During a fantasy sequence depicting the outcome of the prank, the real life Dick Clark plays Greg in disguise.

The dream sequence starts at 9:20.

Clark may have gotten his start at a radio station in Philadelphia, but he changed the television landscape forever. Paul Anka once said the Clark invented youth culture. 

It meant everything to do Dick's show. This was a time when there was no youth culture -- he created it. And the impact of the show on people was enormous, he said according to the New York Times. You knew what once you went down to Philadelphia to see Dick and you went on the show, your song went from nowhere to the Top 10.