Dick Clark died of a heart attack on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. He was 82.
FILE - This Jan. 1, 2006 file photo originally released by ABC shows Dick Clark, left, posing with Ryan Seacrest in New York. Clark, the ever-youthful television host and tireless entrepreneur who helped bring rock `n' roll into the mainstream on "American Bandstand," and later produced and hosted a vast range of programming from game shows to the New Year's Eve countdown from Times Square, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. He was 82. (AP Photo/ABC, file)LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reaction to the death Wednesday of entertainment icon Dick Clark:
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"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 6 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." — Ryan Seacrest.
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"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." — Smokey Robinson.
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"Times Square is considered the crossroads of the world in no small part because Dick Clark's New Year's Eve celebrations there were beamed across the globe. I remember one New Year's 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." — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
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"Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!" — Joan Rivers.
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"Condolences to the family of Dick Clark. We join them in mourning his passing, & will never forget his achievements in entertainment & music." — House Speaker John Boehner.
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"Just heard the news of Dick Clark. It was truly an honor to have worked with him, learn from him and to be able to call him a friend. 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.."— Mario Lopez.
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"REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir." — Snoop Dogg.
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"Back in the 1960's the pop culture catch-phrase was 'Never trust anyone over 30.' Dick Clark was trustworthy all the way home. Rock on Sir!" — Ann Wilson of Heart.
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"So sorry about passing of Dick Clark. A man with the gift of discovering talented musicians he also was a consummate producer/lovely man RIP" — Marlee Matlin.
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"Not 2 many people actually deserve the term "legend", Dick Clark embodied it & never lost his humility or humanity. We will miss him!" — Gloria Estefan.