Dick Clark

Image by Diego's sideburns via Flickr

Dick Clark whose actual name is Richard Wagstaff "Dick" Clark (born November 30, 1929) is an American businessman; game-show host; and radio and television personality. He served as chairman and chief executive officer of Dick Clark Productions, which he has sold part of in recent years.

He is best known for hosting long-running television shows such as American Bandstand, five versions of the game show Pyramid, and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

Clark has long been known for his departing catchphrase, "For now, Dick Clark...so long," delivered with a military salute, and for his youthful appearance, earning the moniker "America's Oldest Teenager", until he had a stroke in late 2004.

With some speech ability still impaired, Clark returned to his New Year's Rockin' Eve show on December 31, 2005/January 1, 2006. Subsequently, he has appeared at the Emmy Awards on August 27, 2006, and every New Year's Rockin' Eve show since then.

On November 30, 2009, disc jockeys throughout the nation paid tribute to Clark on his 80th birthday.