Dick Clark

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Richard Augustus Wagstaff Zanuck Jr.

Known professionally as Dick Clark, this legendary American television host, producer, and radio personality is best remembered for hosting the iconic music countdown show _American Bandstand_.

#### Birth and Death Dates
November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012

Dick Clark's life was marked by a remarkable career spanning over five decades. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, he would go on to become an integral part of American television history.

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American
Television Host, Producer, Radio Personality

Throughout his career, Dick Clark excelled as both a radio and television personality. He began working in radio at the age of 15 and eventually transitioned into hosting _American Bandstand_.

#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, Dick Clark developed an interest in music from an early age. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where he was exposed to various musical genres through his friends. This early exposure would later become the foundation for his success on _American Bandstand_. After graduating high school, Clark began working in radio at WHAD (now WKXW) in New Jersey.

#### Major Accomplishments
Clark's most notable achievement is arguably the creation and hosting of _American Bandstand_, a music countdown show that showcased popular hits from the 1950s to the 1980s. The program, which first aired in 1957 and continued until Clark's stroke in 2004, not only became one of the longest-running television shows but also a staple of American music history.

Clark's success extended beyond _American Bandstand_. He hosted several other popular television shows, including _The $10,000 Pyramid_ and _Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve_, which he began hosting in 1972. The show has since become an annual tradition to welcome the new year with music and entertainment.

#### Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Dick Clark demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. He successfully transitioned _American Bandstand_ from featuring traditional pop music to showcasing a broader range of genres, including rock and roll, soul, and R&B. This willingness to evolve helped keep the show relevant for over four decades.

Clark's personal life was also marked by notable events. In 1961, he married Kari Wagner, but they divorced three years later. He then married Alyssa Milano in 1976 (although this was a sham marriage for tax purposes) and eventually married his fourth wife, Kari Wigton Clark (née Wigton), in 1994.

#### Impact and Legacy
Dick Clark's impact on American music and television is immeasurable. _American Bandstand_ not only showcased popular music but also played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers within the entertainment industry. By featuring both black and white artists, the show helped pave the way for increased diversity in the music world.

Clark's legacy extends beyond his work on _American Bandstand_. He paved the way for future generations of television hosts and producers by showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing media landscape. Clark was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the American Red Cross, where he served as a national chairman.

#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dick Clark's enduring popularity stems from his charismatic on-air presence, ability to connect with audiences of all ages, and dedication to showcasing diverse musical talent. His contributions to both radio and television helped shape the entertainment landscape, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.

As a quote often attributed to Dick Clark reflects: "Music is a universal language."