Celebrities Remember Dick Clark As Entertainment Industry Pioneer, Kind Man
BEVERLY HILLS (CBS) — Hollywood stars, gathered for a Sheryl Crow tribute Wednesday night, remembered Dick Clark as an icon who left a huge imprint on the entertainment industry.
The event -- "An Unforgettable Evening" benefiting women's cancer research -- was held at the Beverly Hilton, the same venue as the Golden Globes Awards each year, which are produced by Dick Clark Productions.
Sheryl Crow was the night's honoree, receiving a Courage Award for her battle with breast cancer.
Crow and other stars spoke out about the impact that Clark had on their lives.
"I knew dick from just doing the TV shows and from having grown up with him every morning, Saturday mornings, 'American Bandstand.' And I'll miss him. You know, he was a huge figure in this industry and he changed things and he, I think in some ways, he navigated the direction of where we were all going. He was a very important man and a very loved man. We'll miss him," Crow said.
"I just heard it coming in and he was such an incredible man, really a legend. And his kindness was sort of legendary too. He was such a good guy and I think that he is going to be very, very missed," Actress Rita Wilson said.
Comedian Martin Short said that he acted in a pilot for Clark back in 1974.
"I played a young drummer in a band, a band that had inherited a hotel and all wackiness then ensued. But not the series, it wasn't picked up. But he was spectacular, very cool, very nice, very kind," Short said.
Clark also produced the American Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Dozens of celebrities tweeted their condolences upon hearing the news of Clark's death.
Ryan Seacrest, who co-hosted New Year's Rockin Eve with Clark from 2006 to 2011, tweeted: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life... My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Barry Manilow: "This is a sad day. He was a dear friend, supporting me and my music for all of my years in the business. A great businessman and a true gentleman. An inspiration. My heart is so heavy now."
John McCain: "RIP Dick Clark - thanks for the many years of entertainment"
Snoop Dog: "REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir"
William Shatner: "My condolences go out to the family of Dick Clark. My best, Bill."
Gloria Estefan: "Not 2 many people actually deserve the term "legend", Dick Clark embodied it & never lost his humility or humanity. We will miss him!"
Lance Bass: "Farewell to one of my all time idols Dick Clark- genius pioneer in music/television and just a great guy! You will be missed!"
Jimmy Kimmel: "I had the pleasure of working with Dick Clark many times - great guy. Some trivia: did you know he HATED music?"
David Boreanaz: "R.I.P. Dick Clark. New Years Eve will never be the same."
Andy Cohen: "RIP Dick Clark! The broadcasting legend will remain a teenager in our memory forever"
Russell Simmons: " Dick Clark was eternally young. No matter what culturally phenomenon was happening, he always embraced it. RIP..."
Marlee Matlin: "So sorry about passing of Dick Clark. A man with the gift of discovering talented musicians he also was a consummate producer/lovely man RIP"
Joan Rivers: "Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!"
Billy Ray Cyrus: "R. I. P. Dick Clark. Thoughts and prayers with the Clark Family."
Michelle Williams: "Sad to hear about the passing of Dick Clark! His contribution to music and the platform he gave people will always be remembered."
Chris Daughtry: "RIP Mr. Dick Clark. You will be missed."
Seth Green: "So saddened by Dick Clark's passing- an innovator, a legend, a man who believed in the greatness of humans."
DL Hughley: "RIP Dick Clark worked with him on New Years Rockin Eve and TV Bloopers always a class act."
Jenny McCarthy: "RIP dick Clark. You were amazing to work with. U will be missed. Xxxoo."
Dane Cook: "Rest in peace Mr. Dick CLark. Thank you for new years and new years of class, positivity & entertainment."
Blake Shelton: "So proud I had the chance to shake hands with Dick Clark in my lifetime... Great man."
LA Reid: "Dick Clark's profound contributions to music, television and popular culture will reverberate throughout time. R.I.P. Mr. American Bandstand."
Fergie: "Dick Clark will be truly missed. We will carry on his legacy every New Year's Eve http://pic.twitter.com/qbi9ub5C"
Rob Lowe: "Had the pleasure to work with Dick Clark when I was 15. He was charming and kind; a true American icon that will live forever."
Anderson Cooper: "What a career Dick Clark had! What a life! My thoughts are with his family and friends."
Michael Bloomberg: "Dick Clark's spirit will always live on in Times Square & the hearts of millions of New Yorkers: http://bit.ly/HZhcM1"
Marie Osmond: "In 1974, my first time on BandStand, I thought Dick Clark was the most handsome man in show business. In 1998,... http://fb.me/1wxJOL1ib"
Reverend Al Sharpton: "Dick Clark, dies at 82 years old. May he rest in peace."
Janet Jackson: "Dick Clark changed the face of musical television. He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless."
Clark is survived by his wife Kari and three children.
