Dick Clark dead at age 82

"American Bandstand" host Dick Clark, whose long-running television dance show helped rock 'n' roll go fully mainstream, died Wednesday at age 82, a spokesman said.

Clark, one of America's best-known TV personalities and the longtime host of ABC's annual Times Square New Year's Eve show, suffered a heart attack and died at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, publicist Paul Shefrin said.

Clark, who started out as a TV announcer in Utica, New York, parlayed his "Bandstand" fame into a career as a producer and host of dozens of other shows, including ABC's annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" telecast, which he launched in 1972.

His youthful good looks -- which he maintained into his 70s -- won him the nickname of "America's oldest teenager."

Clark suffered a stroke in December 2004 that forced him to sit out the Times Square show that year, but he returned to co-host the program the following year.

With his clean-cut image and youthful appearance, he presided over more than three decades of pop music and dance trends as host of "American Bandstand," the first network TV show to feature rock 'n' roll.

He also produced such perennial TV events as the American Music Awards and the Golden Globes telecast.

(with Reuters)

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Tributes poor in for beloved TV host

"Generations of Americans grew up with Dick, and yet he seemed forever young. His spirit will always live on in Times Square, and in hearts of millions of New Yorkers."
-- Mayor Michael Bloomberg

"He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."
-- Ryan Seacrest

"Today, we mourn the passing of Dick Clark, an American icon and a true New Yorker ... We will remember his energy, youthful spirit, and passion for his work."
-- Gov. Andrew Cuomo

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Life and times

Richard Wagstaff Clark

-- Born in Mount Vernon, Nov. 30, 1929
-- "American Bandstand" From 1956-89, Clark hosted the music revue, a smash hit with teenagers that showcased 10,000 music acts.
-- New Year's Rockin' Eve" Clark acted as the full-time presenter leading up to the annual ball drop in Times Square from 1972 to 2004. Clark's speech-impairing stroke in 2004 led to the addition of Ryan Seacrest as his co-host.
-- Dick Clark Productions Inc. According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, Clark's production company, founded in 1957, produced more than 7,500 hours of programming, 30 series and 250 specials and 20 movies.