The World's Oldest Teenager Has Died

As we speak, the Internet is exploding with reactions from celebrities.

After suffering a heart attack, the face of American showbiz, creator of many TV and radio entertainment platforms, and the world’s oldest teenager, has died. Many celebrities will be stepping forward to honour him, talk about him, and remember him today. It is a great loss to the entertainment industry and the world mourns.

Dick Clark was 82.

He has worked with a range of icons such as Buddy Holly, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and even Ryan Seacrest. He defended pop artists and artistic freedom by helping black artists gain their due, by playing original R&B recordings instead of cover versions by white performers. He condemned censorship.

He hosted Miss USA from 1989 to 1993, and Miss Universe from 1990 to 1993.

He was the man behind the Golden Globe awards, American Bandstand, and the creator of the American Music Awards after ABC lost the broadcast right to the Grammy Awards. His company, Dick Clark Productions, has a long list of credits including TV movies and the most popular American program in the history of show business, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” – where he would make an annual appearance.

Except December 2004, when he suffered a stroke, which forced him to miss “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”. But he was, after all, the world’s oldest teenagers and he was a fighter.

The following year end, he returned to the program although his speech at times was difficult to understand. With great difficulty and bravery, he continued taking part in his New Year’s shows though in a diminished role, alongside main host Ryan Seacrest.

The 2011 installment was his last appearance.

In 2006, the Emmy Awards honoured Dick Clark, and he told the crowd in his acceptance speech, he said, “I have accomplished my childhood dream, to be in show business. Everybody should be so lucky to have their dreams come true. I’ve been truly blessed.”

And blessed he was, right until his dying day.

Watch Dick Clark’s last appearance on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” here:

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Ryan Seacrest, who is especially deeply affected by the news said in an official statement today, “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 miss you, Dick Clark. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us.