Dick Clark Dies of Heart Attack at 82
by Free Britney at .Dick Clark passed away this morning after suffering a major heart attack. He had been in St. John's hospital in L.A. for an outpatient procedure last night.
The seemingly ageless show business legend, who earned the nickname "America's Oldest Teenager" well into retirement age for most people, was 82.
Clark's rep confirm that the TV icon suffered the "massive" heart attack following the procedure, and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
The Mount Vernon, N.Y. native was a powerhouse producer who changed the way America listened to pop music with American Bandstand in the '50s and '60s.
He then started Dick Clark Productions, which produced countless hits.
Clark became synonymous with everything from The $25,000 Pyramid to TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes to the American Music Awards ... and December 31.
Clark's health had been declining ever since he suffered a major stroke in 2004, forcing him to retire from his hosting gig at New Years' Rockin' Eve.
Clark created the NYE staple in 1972, and has continued appeared on the show every year, even after passing the hosting torch to Ryan Seacrest.
Dick, who also battled Type 2 Diabetes, is survived by his current wife, Kari Wigton, and three adult children from his two previous marriages.
He will be missed by generations of fans.
Related Stories
-
Dick Trickle Dead of Apparent Suicide; NASCAR Star Was 71 -
Fred White Dies; Royals Broadcaster Was 76
-
Man Dribbling Soccer Ball from Seattle to Brazil Killed on Freeway
Comments (36 Total)
Dear Sir, You don't know what your talking about sir, I have documented proof that Mr Bearde receicved POTH show idea from me via the FCB executives I met with in Houston 1983. Look at the facts the show concept was created by me, and the show would have never been produced if it was not for my work starting in 1981. I also sent many contestants to the show, and served as the consulting producer and consultant to RAC and company. These are all facts, and documented. Thanks
I was sad to hear of the death of american idol dick clark.
Wm Randy Wood had nothing to do with creating POTH and was not a consulting producer. Check the credits on any show. It was all Chris Bearde's idea
Yes he was a decent guy. I would like to know if he believed in anything...meaning religion. I see that there's no funeral....he was catholic,jewish,muslim,protestant,episcopelian or an atheist????????
There was only one Dick Clark. A decent man who made being a teenager exciting and wonderful time of life in the 60's. Who did not love this man? I am sure his family will miss him terribly; we all will. Meanwhile, if there is a "rock and roll Heaven", I hope he's stepping to the microphone right now to get them all going.