Legendary TV icon Dick Clark dead

Dick Clark, the ever youthful TV legend and host of “American Bandstand” and wide range of other programmes including game shows and “New Year’s Rocking Eve”, has died at 82 in Santa Monica.

Paul Shefrin, spokesperson for Dick Clark, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Mr. Clark had died of a fatal heart attack at Saint John’s Health Center after going to the hospital for an out-patient procedure the night before.

Dick clark had a stroke in December 2004 and it had greatly impaired his ability to speak and walk, but he still managed to make brief appearances on his yearly show, “New Year’s Rockin' Eve”, including the last New Year’s Eve show. He had been having difficulty speaking since the attack, and at times it was hard to understand his speech, but people used to praise him for his effort and courage.

Through his iconic show, “American Bandstand”, Dick Clark brought the best of American music to people and created countless careers for artists ranging from Buddy Holly to Madonna.

In addition to these, Dick Clark was a producer and host of a number of award programs and game shows and other projects of Dick Clark Productions. His production house has provided countless hours of quality television for years. The credits include Academy of Country Music and Golden Globe awards, TV movies including the Emmy Award winner "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle" (1984), the famous "$25,000 Pyramid" game show and the 1985 film "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins". Clark also made a cameo on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and a dramatic appearance as a witness on the original "Perry Mason”. Dick Clark went on to create American Music Awards in 1974.

In 2006, Dick Clark was honored at the Emmy Awards. He said in his speech, “I have accomplished my childhood dream, to be in show business. Everybody should be so lucky to have their dreams come true. I've been truly blessed.”

Dick Clark’s death has deeply saddened his industry friends and fans all over the country. Ryan Seacrest, who replaced Dick Clark on “New Year's Rockin' Eve” after his stroke in 2004 expressed grief over Mr. Clark’s demise.

According to a Deadline news report, Seacrest said, “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 six 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.”