Dick Clark dead at 82
TV icon famed for hosting 'American Bandstand' and 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
In the wake of news that Dick Clark, 82, passed away on Wednesday, legions of stars and fans expressed their condolences and shared their fondest memories of the iconic American television personality.
“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,” tweeted Ryan Seacrest, who worked closely with Clark for “New Years Rockin’ Eve.” “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also prompt in expressing his gratitude toward Clark for making Times Square the prime destination to ring in the New Year.
"Times Square is considered the crossroads of the world in no small part because Dick Clark's New Years Eve celebrations there were beamed across the globe,” he said in a statement. “I remember one New Years Eve, he and I stood in Times Square marveling about how much the area - and the City - had improved over the years. But Dick Clark never had to change - he was a great entertainer who stood the test of time. 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."
Debbie Gibson, a former guest on “American Bandstand,” referred to Clark as a “gentleman,” and tweeted that things “won’t be the same without him.” Fellow bandstand alum Sheila E offered “prayers to (her) friend Dick Clark.”
“Dick Clark to sensor Sheila E’s wardrobe for American Bandstand. He told the network to let me do my thing… I loved him from that day!” she added.
Marie Osmond went on to tweet that “In 1974, my first time on BandStand, I thought Dick Clark was the most handsome man in show business,” and Joan Rivers tweeted: “Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!”
Janet Jackson also took to twitter to convey her thoughts and prayers.
“Dick Clark changed the face of musical television,” she wrote. “He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless.”
Roseanne Barr tweeted a “RIP,” adding “he was always nice to me,” famed baseball player and manager Tommy Lasorda noted that he was “always a gentleman” on the occasions they met, Blake Shelton tweeted: “so proud I had the chance to shake hands with Dick Clark in my lifetime... Great man,” while Scott Baio tweeted that he “had the pleasure of meeting him. What a huge loss.”
And according to Larry King, Clark was a man of many talents.
“Dick Clark was a great friend, true legend, & a master journalist. Nobody did what he did better,” he tweeted. “It was a pleasure to be in his company.”
A slew of stars also credited Clark for inspiring them to pursue careers in entertainment and praised him for his vast contributions to show business.
“REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir,” said rapper Snoop Dogg, as Loni Love thanked him “for helping black artists to get the exposure they needed so we could ALL enjoy their music!”
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, stated that “Dick Clark was an entertainment icon, bringing music into the homes of millions of Americans over his nearly 60-year career.”
“Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, fans, and all who have enjoyed his great contributions to music and entertainment,” Portnow continued. “He will be terribly missed, and his legacy will live on forever."
Others remembered Clark for more than just his youthful love of music and fanfare.
“You may remember Dick Clark as the world's oldest living teenager,” wrote Danny Bonaduce. “I'll remember him as the man who beat me in a pushup contest – he was 74.”
Dick Clark, New Years Eve, American Bandstand and even Ryan Seacrest all became top trending topics on Twitter as news of his death circulated, with hundreds of thousands of fans joining celebrities in sharing their favorite Clark-related moments. But for some, the most fitting way to pay tribute was by retweeting one of his most memorable quotes.
“If you want to stay young-looking, pick your parents very carefully,” thousands tweeted on Wednesday.
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