'America's Oldest Teenager' Dick Clark Dies at 82, Celebrities Tweet Condolences

That evergreen smile and cheery thumbs-up which were the symbol of the New Year for so long will no longer be so.

Dick Clark, the legendary American television presenter and producer suffered a cardiac arrest on Wednesday morning at the St John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, a day after he was admitted for an outpatient procedure. He was 82.

Famously nicknamed "America's oldest teenager" after his show "American Bandstand" in 1957 (which ran till 1963) was most popular for introducing rock-and-roll to American television audiences.

Also iconic were Clark's "New Year's Rockin' Eve" show, which have been big hits since its inception in 1972 - the live broadcast of New Year celebrations from Times Square in Manhattan. However, when Clark suffered a stroke in 2004, he had to step down from the show. He did make a comeback though, with co-host Ryan Seacrest, for his 40<sup>th appearance on 31 December 2011.

"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," Seacrest tweeted.

Born Richard Wagstaff Clark, the late presenter began his impressive career in show business by working in the mailroom of WRUN, a radio station in New York.

During the 1980s, Clark had shows on all three main networks in the United States and was listed among the Forbes 400 of wealthiest Americans. He was also a part of radio as a partner in the United Stations Radio Networks. The Dick Clark Production company created films, game shows, music programmes and beauty contests, including "The $25,000 Pyramid", "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" and the American Music Awards.

His death has been described as a great loss to the industry.

Singer Mariah Carey posted a photograph with a message: @MariahCarey "R.I.P. Dick Clark. Your memory will live on eternally as an incredible legend."

Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt tweeted: @TheReal_Jlh, "So sad about Dick Clark. Rest in peace with angels. Prayers and love to his family."

Rapper Snoop Dogg expressed his condolences: @SnoopDogg "REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir."

Singer Kesha recollected her encounter with him: @keshasuxx "One of the biggest moments in my career was playing Dick Clark's show on NYE-such an honor to have been part of his amazing legacy," she tweeted.