Table of Biography
Dick Clark was a radio and television personality, actor, and producer. Dick Clark was the host of American Bandstand from 1957-1988.
Early Life and Childhood
On November 30, 1929, Dick Clark was born in Mount Vernon, New York, United States. Additionally, his sun sign was Sagittarius. He was born to his father Richard Augustus Clark and Julia Fuller Clark. He had a sibling named Bradley Clark. And, he was killed in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
He belonged to the English ethnicity and is an American. Moreover, he attended A.B. Davis High School, in 1947. Later, he went to Syracuse University.
Death
He expired on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82. He took his last breath in Santa Monica, California, United States. Additionally, the cause of his death was a heart attack.
Career
At the age of 16, He was hired by his father to work in the mailroom. He worked at the WRUN radio station. Additionally, it was owned by his uncle and managed by his father. His father was impressed with his skills within a few months. Additionally, he worked as the weatherman at the station. However, he left and worked at a country music station named WOLF-AM. He returned to work with his father at WRUN radio station. Later, he hosted the show titled Cactus Dick and the Santa Fe Riders at WKTV in Utica.
Caption: Dick Clark during the broadcast of American Bandstand. Source(CBS News)
In 1952, he worked on the WFIL radio as a disc jockey. He received a job offer from Drexel Hill. A television show called Bandstand was hosted by Bob Horn. Later, it was hosted by him whenever Bob was not around. In 1956, he was a full-time host of the show as Bob was arrested. Later, he was approached by the ABC, American Broadcasting Corporation network. From WFIL, ABC purchased the show and broadcast it nationally, in August 1957. Moreover, the show was broadcast live. And, the show ran for 90 minutes on weekdays.
The show ended its live broadcasting, in 1963. Later, it was turned into a taped show and broadcast once a week. Hence, the show ran successfully until 1987. The show also began hiring up-and-coming musicians and featured their live performances, in the 1960s. bands like Pink Floyd and the Doors were featured. Also, he was associated more with the music industry and worked as an artist manager. Similarly, he also entered the recording and publishing businesses.
More about career
Likewise, he invested in music-themed restaurants like Clark’s AB Diner, his AB Grill, etc. In 1964, from Philadelphia to LA, the setup of the American Bandstand was moved. And, he engaged himself in other television productions. Also, he started his own production house named Dick Clark Productions. His first television program was titled Where the Action Is, Besides, his Productions began producing the American Music Awards.
After his successful venture, he started producing more shows. Like, TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes and So You Think You Can Dance. He also ventured into The Savage Seven and Wild Streets. Additionally, the Production also produced more radio programs. Like, Countdown America and The Dick Clark National Music Survey. Eventually, his radio show Dick Clark’s Rock, Roll & Remember was successful. They ran from 1982 to the 1980s. Until 2004, he hosted the show, and the broadcast officially ended in 2020.
Highlights of career
He brought New Year’s Rockin’ Eve which was broadcast on NBC, in 1972. It featured the New Year’s festivities that take place in New York. Later, it was purchased by NBC, and in the 1970s it became a huge success. In 2004, he suffered a stroke and briefly returned to perform his hosting duties. He has hosted the shows like Dick Clark’s Live Wednesday, Dick Clark’s World of Talent. Additionally, he was part of The Other Half, and Challenge of the Child Geniuses.
He has also acted in films such as Jamboree, The Phynx, The Young Doctors, and Spy Kids. Likewise, 4 Emmy Awards, Peabody Award, and the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. And, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Whereas also in the Radio Hall of Fame, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. The net worth of Clark was $200 million.
Personal life
He was married 3 times. In 1952, he was married to Barbara Mallery. And, they have a son named Richard A. Clark. In 1961, the duo decided to divorce as the marriage didn’t go well. Later, he married Loretta Martin, in 1962. They had 2 children named Daune and Cindy. Similarly, the marriage did not go well and divorced in 1971. In 1977, he married Kari Wigton which lasted until his death.
Caption: Dick Clark with his ex-wife and child. Source(CBS News)
Dick Clark – Body Measurements
He stood 5 feet 8 inches tall. And, his weight is still not known. Dick had dark brown hair color and dark brown eye color.
Dick Clark – Social Media
Likewise, he was not active on any social media platforms. There may be chances that he did not get time from his work.