Hollywood is mourning the death of another one of its iconic TV host and producers. "America's Oldest Teenager" Dick Clark died of a massive heart attack at the age of 82 on Wednesday, April 18 morning. As soon as news of his death was made public, tributes to the longtime "American Bandstand" host began to pour in.
Among the first to express condolences was Ryan Seacrest, who took over Clark's hosting duties for "New Year's Rockin' Eve". In a lengthy statement, the "American Idol" host said, "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. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel."
"When I joined his show in 2006, it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year's Eve for the last six years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I'll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."
Jenny McCarthy, who also helped co-host "New Year's Rockin' Eve", also shared her reaction to the sad news. Speaking to Laura Saltman of Access Hollywood, the 39-year-old actress remembered Clark as "a powerhouse". Admitting that the prospect of doing this year's show without him is "making my eyes tear up," she added, "He won't be there. It's going to be so different."
Mario Lopez, meanwhile, used his Twitter to remember Clark. "It was truly an honor to have worked with him, learn from him and to be able to call him a friend," he wrote. "He was a great man and an even better friend. The word legend is thrown around a lot, but it's never more appropriate than when used in describing Mr. Clark.. He was a real inspiration & influence in my life. I will dearly miss my friend... Rest well DC."
From the music world, condolences came from the likes of Madonna and Janet Jackson among others. The Material Girl tweeted, "Rest in peace Dick Clark," along with a link to a YouTube video of her interview with Clark, and Janet wrote, "Dick Clark changed the face of musical television. He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless."
Barry Manilow took to his Facebook to share his grief. "This is a sad day. He was a dear friend, supporting me and my music for all of my years in the business," he said. "A great businessman and a true gentleman. An inspiration. My heart is so heavy now." Meanwhile, Smokey Robinson stated, "I loved Dick Clark. He was so instrumental in my career as well as all the other Motown acts and so many others in the recording business. Good bye my friend, rest in peace."
The entertainment world wasn't the only one mourning the death of Clark. President Barack Obama has released a statement as well. "Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Dick Clark," he said. "With 'American Bandstand,' he introduced decades' worth of viewers to the music of our times. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer."
"And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year. But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel - as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was. As we say a final 'so long' to Dick Clark, America's oldest teenager, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends - which number far more than he knew."
Clark, who had a stroke in 2004, suffered a heart attack after checking into St. John's Health Center for an outpatient procedure on Tuesday night, his representative explained in a statement. "Attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful. He is survived by his wife Kari and his three children, RAC, Duane and Cindy," the rep further detailed.
Among the first to express condolences was Ryan Seacrest, who took over Clark's hosting duties for "New Year's Rockin' Eve". In a lengthy statement, the "American Idol" host said, "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. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel."
"When I joined his show in 2006, it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year's Eve for the last six years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I'll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."
Jenny McCarthy, who also helped co-host "New Year's Rockin' Eve", also shared her reaction to the sad news. Speaking to Laura Saltman of Access Hollywood, the 39-year-old actress remembered Clark as "a powerhouse". Admitting that the prospect of doing this year's show without him is "making my eyes tear up," she added, "He won't be there. It's going to be so different."
Mario Lopez, meanwhile, used his Twitter to remember Clark. "It was truly an honor to have worked with him, learn from him and to be able to call him a friend," he wrote. "He was a great man and an even better friend. The word legend is thrown around a lot, but it's never more appropriate than when used in describing Mr. Clark.. He was a real inspiration & influence in my life. I will dearly miss my friend... Rest well DC."
From the music world, condolences came from the likes of Madonna and Janet Jackson among others. The Material Girl tweeted, "Rest in peace Dick Clark," along with a link to a YouTube video of her interview with Clark, and Janet wrote, "Dick Clark changed the face of musical television. He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless."
Barry Manilow took to his Facebook to share his grief. "This is a sad day. He was a dear friend, supporting me and my music for all of my years in the business," he said. "A great businessman and a true gentleman. An inspiration. My heart is so heavy now." Meanwhile, Smokey Robinson stated, "I loved Dick Clark. He was so instrumental in my career as well as all the other Motown acts and so many others in the recording business. Good bye my friend, rest in peace."
The entertainment world wasn't the only one mourning the death of Clark. President Barack Obama has released a statement as well. "Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Dick Clark," he said. "With 'American Bandstand,' he introduced decades' worth of viewers to the music of our times. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer."
"And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year. But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel - as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was. As we say a final 'so long' to Dick Clark, America's oldest teenager, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends - which number far more than he knew."
Clark, who had a stroke in 2004, suffered a heart attack after checking into St. John's Health Center for an outpatient procedure on Tuesday night, his representative explained in a statement. "Attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful. He is survived by his wife Kari and his three children, RAC, Duane and Cindy," the rep further detailed.
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