Dick Clark died this morning as a result of a massive heart attack. He was 82.
Dick Clark rose to fame as the host of American Bandstand. The show was first aired on August 5, 1957 on ABC. His first guest on the show was Elvis Presley. Clark hosted American Bandstand until 1989.
In 1972, Clark started New Year's Rockin Eve which he hosted every year until 2004.
In 2004, Clark suffered a stroke that left him unable to host New Year's Rockin' Eve. Ryan Seacrest took over the broadcast for Clark and he would appear sporadically with Seacrest over the years. Clark also revealed to Larry King that he suffered from Type 2 diabetes.
Through the years Clark entertained audiences with new talent and made many celebrity friends along the way.
Show producer Dick Clark joins host Reba McEntire on stage as the two briefly stall for time while an instrument is repaired during the 39th annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 26, 2004. ReutersMetallica bassist Robert Trujillo, Dick Clark, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and singer/guitarist James Hetfield, pose while the rock band rehearses for the 31st annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, November 15, 2003. Clark is the executive producer of the show that will be telecast on the ABC television network in the United States on November 16, 2003.
ReutersSingers JC Chasez (L) of the group "N*Sync" and Toni Braxton pose with Dick Clark (R) November 19, 2002 in Beverly Hills after announcing the nominees for the 30th annual American Music Awards, which will be held in Los Angeles January 13, 2003. Clark is the executive producer of the awards show. Singer Ashanti received five nominations, the most of any artist. ReutersSharon Osbournes jokes around with Dick Clark as (L to R) husband Ozzy Osbourne, son Jack and daughter Kelly look on before rehearsing on January 11, 2003 for the upcoming American Music Awards in Los Angeles. ReutersHost Dick Clark (L) thanks singer Cher for her performance at a taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" in Pasadena, California, April 20, 2002.ReutersSinger Michael Jackson (R) is thanked by Dick Clark, host of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" after performing "Dangerous" for the show in Pasadena, California, April 20, 2002.ReutersHost Dick Clark (L), poses for photographers with singers Stevie Wonder (C) and Babyface before the two singers performed a medley of Wonder's songs during a taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" in Pasadena, California, April 20, 2002.ReutersHost Dick Clark (C), poses for photographers with members of the Village People before the Disco group performed a medley of their hit songs during a taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" in Pasadena, California, April 20, 2002. ReutersSingers Sean Combs (L) and Jewel pose with the American Music Award after they announced the nominees for the 29th annual American Music Awards during a news conference in Beverly Hills November 13, 2001 with the show's executive producer Dick Clark.ReutersActor Martin Sheen (C) reacts as producer Dick Clark (L) corrects a mistake Sheen made during the announcement ceremonies for the 57th Annual Golden Globe Awards December 20 in Beverly Hills, California. Actress Salma Hayek shares the podium with the men. ReutersProducer Dick Clark (R) comes to the aid of Elizabeth Taylor after Taylor lost her place announcing the winner of Best Motion Picture Drama at the 58th Annual Golden Globe Awards January 21, 2001 in Beverly HillsReutersLegendary entertainer Bob Hope, 93, accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Family Film Awards which were telecast live on the CBS TV network August 22. Shown with Hope are (L- R) TV host Dick Clark, Olympic gymnastics gold medal winner Kerri Strug and actor Charlton Heston.ReutersDick Clark and Mariah Carey on a broadcast of New Years Rockin' EveReuters
