Dick Clark on American Bandstand, New Year’s Eve, and More Memorable TV Moments (Video)
<p>The legendary TV host died Wednesday at the age of 82. From hosting <i>American Bandstand</i> to <i>Pyramid</i> and his eponymous New Year’s Eve show, WATCH Dick Clark’s memorable moments.</p>

The King of Pop Meets the King of Bandstand, 1972
Dick Clark wasn’t dubbed “American’s oldest teenager” for nothing. As the longtime host of American Bandstand, the former DJ introduced pop-music hits to the adolescent mainstream from 1956 to 1989. In this clip from a 1972 show, Clark interviews a young Michael Jackson about his favorite music, pet snake, and if there are any questions the pop star hasn’t answered yet.
It's a Rockin' New Year's Eve, 2012
It’s not a good New Year’s Eve if there’s no Dick Clark. The host started ringing in the New Year on TV in 1972 and continued this household tradition until 2004, when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. His absence was short lived, though, and in 2005 he returned. With the help of Ryan Seacrest, Clark continued co-hosting the show until its 40th anniversary in 2012. No doubt Seacrest has some big shoes to fill.
Dick Clark Meets … Dick Clark, 1960
ADVERTISEMENT
Before there were Tupac holograms, Dick Clark brought camera tricks to the American teenage mainstream. In this charming commercial during Bandstand, the host was interrupted by himself, appearing as a double thanks to 1950s technology. Half a century later, Coachella has advertising masterminds behind Beech Nut Gum to thank.
Dick Clark: 'This Is Your Life!', 1959
Sign Up for Our Beast Digest Newsletter
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Before he'd even lived half of it, Clark was presented with a retrospective of his life thanks to Ralph Edwards and the popular television documentary series, This Is Your Life in 1959. Friends and family members took a few moments to talk about the beloved brother he'd lost, how he'd enriched their lives, and why they thought he was “such a great guy.”
Clark’s Lifetime Achievement Award, 1994
He was in a league of his own. In 1994, Clark was honored for his successful television career at the Daytime Emmy Awards. Instead of thanking individuals, he simply thanked American Bandstand—the “silly little dance show” that made him a household name.
The ‘Pyramid’ of Success, 1986
From dance shows to quiz shows, the host did it all. Pyramid was an afternoon television staple in the '70s and '80s that brought Clark a daytime audience and three Emmy awards. Watch as Clark pokes fun at celebrity guest Vicki Lawrence’s choice of game-show attire.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
