This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dick Clark died from a massive heart attack this morning at age 82. Clark was in St. John's hospital in Santa Monica after undergoing an outpatient procedure last night, according to TMZ. He had a massive attack this morning and attempts to resuscitate him failed.
Known as "America's Oldest Teenager," Clark's ubiquitous presence through the decades as host and producer of American Bandstand, host for game show Pyramid and host of
Clark's Dick Clark Productions was also behind a number of programs, from TV Bloopers & Practical Jokes to So You Think You Can Dance and The Golden Globe Awards.
A rep for Clark later confirmed his death with the New York Times. The Times had interviewed him via e-mail last December, "Clark said he presumed that for many viewers, it’s 'comforting to see a familiar face who has been there for the past 40 years.' He added that for viewers who have a physical disability, his appearances 'may serve as a source of inspiration.'"
Here was Clark welcoming us into 2012:
And here are some videos of American Bandstand:
The Mamas and the Papas:
Prince:
Donna Summer:
ABBA:
The Jackson Five:
A young Michael Jackson:
The Beach Boys:
John Travolta:
Jerry Lee Lewis:
