Dick Clark Dead at 82, Suffered Massive Heart Attack
Beloved producer and television/radio host Dick Clark has died at the age of 82, according to sources at TMZ. Clark reportedly suffered a massive heart attack this morning, April 18, due to complications from an outpatient procedure he underwent at St. John’s hospital in Los Angeles last night.
Clark first began experiencing health complications in 2004 when he had a serious stroke that caused a noticeable speech impairment, causing him to turn over his hosting duties (he had been acting as the on-air personality for the event since its inaugural year in 1972 before that) of the annual ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ in Time Square to Ryan Seacrest in 2006.
The ‘American Bandstand’ host also had been battling Type 2 diabetes.
Clark was always known for his youthful appearance and demeanor (even during his later years), earning him the nickname ‘America’s Oldest Teenager.’ Over the years, he entertained countless viewers and listeners with his celebrity interviews and comical banter on shows like ‘Pyramid.’ He was also known for his catch phrase, “For now, Dick Clark… So long.” Over his long-spanning career, he won five Emmy awards, a Peabody award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Clark was married three times during lifetime, having two children from his first two marriages. Clark was married to Kari Wigton at the time of his passing.
Rest in peace, Mr. Clark. You will be missed.
Watch Dick Clark’s Tribute at the 37th Annual Emmy Awards