A look back at Dick Clark in video
From 1957 to 2010, a video pastiche of his career
A look back at Dick Clark in video
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Critic
It’s hard to create a representative summary of Dick Clark’s TV career because it was so long and multivaried. But it’s fun to look back at some of the old days and remember just what a natural he always was in front of the camera.
Let’s start with his first national exposure on American Bandstand in 1957. Here he is introducing Danny and the Juniors.
Still early days (1959), Dick takes a spot in the audience – are you taking notes, Ryan Seacrest? – to set up Link Wray.
Later that same year, Clark has already gained enough notoriety to become the subject of Ralph Edwards’ popular primetime show, This Is Your Life. Check out who’s on the panel to salute him. It’s like he brought half of South Philly wid him. The teen idol half.
By the ‘80s he had branched out into nearly everything, including hosting Bloopers and Practical Jokes with his bud Ed McMahon. Here’s a goofy segment with Elvira where she shows local TV horror hosts from around the country. Scary! Watch how comfortable Dick is with light comedy.
For many people he was best known as the guy who ushered in the New Year from Times Square. This clip is rather momentous. It’s 1999 and Dick is ringing in the millennium. Check his rap. He was one smooth operator.
Finally here he is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in 2010. It’s a nicely produced recap of his accomplishments and, as you can see, gets a very emotional response from the guest of honor. Rest in peace, Dick.
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