Dick Clark Dies From Massive Heart Attack At Age 82
SANTA MONICA (CBS) — Television and radio personality Dick Clark died Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack.
"Entertainment Icon Dick Clark passed away this morning (Wednesday) at the age of 82 following a massive heart attack it was announced by his family," his publicist said in a statement to CBS2. "Clark, 82, had entered St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica last night for an outpatient procedure. Attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful. He is survived by his wife Kari and his three children, RAC, Duane and Cindy."
Affectionately known as "America's oldest teenager" for his youthful looks and enthusiastic attitude, he brought music to millions of teenagers in the 1950s without alienating their parents.
He became host of the local Philadelphia television show "Bandstand" in 1956. One year later, he created Dick Clark Productions and took the show national on ABC as "American Bandstand," which went on to become one of the longest-running variety shows in television history.
The production company created thousands of hours of television, including awards shows such as the Golden Globes, Daytime Emmy Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards and "So You Think You Can Dance."
The New York native also hosted the "Pyramid" game series and "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes," and several beauty pageants.
Clark was well known for his catchphrase when signing off: "For now, Dick Clark... so long."
He suffered a significant stroke in 2004 that took him largely out of the public eye and forced him to miss hosting "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" for the first time since it began in 1972.
Ryan Seacrest, who co-hosted New Year's Rockin Eve with Clark from 2006 to 2011, released the following statement.
"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. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel. When I joined his show in 2006 , it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year's Eve for the last 6 years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I'll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."
Clark is survived by his wife, Kari Wigton, and three children.
Funeral plans have not been announced.
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