Kevork Djansezian, AP
Clark's decades-long tenure in the entertainment industry began when, as a teenager, he worked his way up from mailroom employee to on-air host for WRUN, a radio station that his father and uncle ran. After graduating from Syracuse University, Clark join Philadelphia radio station WFIL, a gig that led to his part-time hosting of "Bandstand." He officially took over the job in 1956, and a year later, it was picked up by ABC and renamed "American Bandstand," with Clark interviewing Elvis Presley on the show's first national airing.
The program, which featured teenagers dancing to currently popular songs and guest spots by acts ranging from Chuck Berry to Madonna, ran until 1989, with Clark returning in 2002 to host a 50th-anniversary special with Michael Jackson performing. His production company also launched "The $10,000 Pyramid" and "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" before debuting Clark's second signature series, "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," in 1972. Two years later, the man known as "America's oldest teenager" thanks to his youthful looks, created the American Music Awards.
Clark also battled health problems, including diabetes and a stroke in 2004 that left him partially paralyzed. The affliction forced him to limit his public appearances, and he eventually turned over the New Year's hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest. According to his spokesman, Clark suffered the fatal heart attack during a visit to Saint John's hospital in Santa Monica.
Clark is survived by his third wife, Kari Wigton, and three children.
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