Dick Clark

Dick Clark (cropped)

Dick Clark

Richard Wagstaff "Dick" Clark (November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012) was an American radio and television personality, television producer, and film actor. He is best known for hosting American Bandstand from 1956 to 1989. Clark's work on American Bandstand helped to bring rock and roll music into the mainstream and made him a cultural icon.

Early Life

Dick Clark was born in Mount Vernon, New York. He was the son of Richard Augustus Clark and Julia Fuller Clark. He had an older brother, Bradley, who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Clark attended A.B. Davis High School in Mount Vernon and later graduated from Syracuse University in 1951 with a degree in advertising and a minor in radio.

Career

Radio

Clark began his career in the mailroom of WRUN radio in Utica, New York, which was owned by his uncle and managed by his father. He quickly moved up the ranks to become a weatherman and news announcer. In 1952, he moved to WOLF in Syracuse, New York, and then to WFIL in Philadelphia, where he became a disc jockey.

American Bandstand

In 1956, Clark became the host of American Bandstand, a local show on WFIL-TV in Philadelphia. The show was picked up by the ABC network in 1957 and became a national phenomenon. American Bandstand featured teenagers dancing to the latest hit records, and Clark's clean-cut image made him a trusted figure among parents and teens alike. The show played a significant role in introducing new music and artists to a wide audience.

Other Television Work

Clark hosted the game show The $10,000 Pyramid and its various iterations from 1973 to 1988. He also hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, an annual television special that aired on New Year's Eve and featured live performances and the countdown to midnight in Times Square.

Production Work

Clark founded Dick Clark Productions, which produced a wide range of television programming, including award shows such as the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Personal Life

Clark was married three times. His first marriage was to Barbara Mallery in 1952, with whom he had one son, Richard A. Clark. They divorced in 1961. He married Loretta Martin in 1962, and they had two children, Duane and Cindy, before divorcing in 1971. His third marriage was to Kari Wigton in 1977, and they remained married until his death.

Health Issues and Death

Clark suffered a stroke in December 2004, which affected his ability to speak and walk. Despite his health issues, he continued to make appearances on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve until his death. Dick Clark died on April 18, 2012, from a heart attack following a medical procedure at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Legacy

Dick Clark is remembered as a pioneering figure in the entertainment industry. His contributions to music and television have left a lasting impact, and he is often referred to as "America's oldest teenager" due to his youthful appearance and demeanor.

See Also

• American Bandstand
• Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve
• The $10,000 Pyramid
• Dick Clark Productions