Well, we've speculated.
We've discussed. We've conjectured. But last night, we actually got to see Dick Clark on our TVs for the first time
since he had a stroke in December 2004. This AP
story (via Yahoo) details the appearance.Well, let me say right off that I was happy to see Dick back out there, and I was happy to see that, at least outwardly, he looked like the same Dick Clark we remember; considering strokes often leave one side of a person's face and body paralyzed, it was good to see that, outwardly, his face and body were in good shape. Now, we didn't see him walk, but I'm pretty sure if Dick had a problem with that, he could work around it; heck, Bill Cullen hosted a zillion game shows and viewers never saw what was a fairly severe limp, so I'm sure Dick could hide any issues easily.
But his voice... oh, my.
As an on-air personality, Dick Clark's bread-and-butter has always been his voice. Indeed, Dick's voice is so familiar to millions of people, there was more concern over how he'd sound than over how he'd look. Ryan Seacrest, maybe in an effort to quell speculation, told AP Radio that, while his voice isn't quite the same, that "it definitely sounds like Dick."
Well, not quite. As soon as I heard Dick's voice, a feeling of sadness came over me. His speech was badly slurred, and the slurring was more pronounced the faster he spoke. He was hoarse at times, and did not have the breath to complete some words. At the top of the broadcast, Clark mentioned that the stroke left him in bad shape, that he had to learn how to walk and talk again; the fact that he was even able to make it to air and be even moderately understandable is a great feat, and speaks to Dick's work ethic and determination. But last night was a realization that the ever-youthful Dick who hosted American Bandstand, Pyramid, Bloopers, and a ton of other memorable shows, is gone forever. I really do hope Dick works some more and comes back next year sounding better than he did this year. I'm sure he will. But it won't be the same.
What did you think of Dick's appearance? Should he just go behind the scenes now and do what he does best, which is produce shows and mint money? Let me know in the comments.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
1-01-2006 @ 3:51PM
Brenda said...
I was shocked when i first heard him because i didn't know he had a stroke. My heart goes out to you Dick and don't let these people let you think your less of a person because of your speech. He is one of my favorite people on TV. YOU GO DICK CLARK!!!!!!!!!!!!! You show these people that your still the same as before your stroke. Your a great person inside and out and you look GREAT!!!
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1-01-2006 @ 3:52PM
Jimmy said...
It was great to see the old guy out there doing what he does best. No, he wasn't up to his usual greatness, but jsut having him there was a sight for sore eyes. It will be sad when the day comes and he can't help us ring it the New Year. He's almost become an institution -- hell, he is one!
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1-01-2006 @ 3:52PM
Tammy said...
As someone with friends who have had strokes, I was impressed by how well Dick Clark is doing a year after his stroke. I noticed he had problems with his right side and his speech, but overall I was impressed. And not just at his progress, but at his determination not to sulk away forever and let us all remember his as he was before the stroke.
Last night Dick Clark became a real, three-dimensional human being to me because he was willing to share himself -- flaws and all -- with those who consider him part of their lives.
So I don't think he should go behind the scenes. Strokes are, unfortunately, something that will affect many of us. Stroke victims should not be society's lepers; instead, they should be society's inspiration both to overcome such vicious obstacles and to work for better stroke prevention and recovery.
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1-01-2006 @ 4:00PM
elf said...
I think Mark Evanier has the best summary on his website here: http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2006_01_01.html#010772
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1-01-2006 @ 4:02PM
Ann Strickland said...
I am ashamed of the public that talks about an American Icon like Dick Clark. He has brought wonderful memories to us all. Yes, we all get older and have health problems. For goodness sake he is 76 years old. I will all ways admire him and be one of his biggest fans, and he will all ways be young in my mind. He is a wonderful man. I'm really sorry he is having to deal with the media/websites that critize him. If he can pull off letting people thinks he is OK so be it. Leave him alone!!!!!!
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1-01-2006 @ 4:38PM
G. Peluso said...
In regards to Dick Clark:How a man expresses himself is not nearly as important as what he says.
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1-01-2006 @ 5:19PM
Sam Goldman said...
On one level, I did feel that maybe it would have been better that Dick bow out and let everyone remember him from his heydays instead of the way he is now; on the other hand, I'd have to agree that his story is inspirational, and will be even more so if he continues his rehabilitation and improves next year. So more power to him.
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1-01-2006 @ 5:41PM
Kevin said...
Dick Clark is one of the most talented individuals of our lifetime. The things he has given to our generation are countless. Music, Game Shows, Laughter, Memories...
Now, you can add "one of the bravest" to that list.
What he did last night broke my heart and inspired me at the same time. He could have walked away and left all of us with our last memories of seeing him before his stroke but instead, he showed everyone what a "fighter" he really is.
God Bless you Mr. Clark.
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1-01-2006 @ 5:41PM
Rob Mattheu said...
I look at it this way. Every year Dick does it, regardless of his condition is one less we have to deal with an all Seacrest hour.
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1-01-2006 @ 6:16PM
MW said...
For years, there have been jokes about Dick Clark never aging, how he always looked young, how he might be a robot. He even played along with the joke a bunch of times. Last night, he showed that he is all too human, and everybody still loves him for it.
With the exception of maybe Johnny Carson (RIP Johnny), I can't think of any TV personality more well-regarded. I think it's well-deserved.
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1-01-2006 @ 6:25PM
Vera Pavone said...
I didn't expect hearing Dick's voice and seeing his face to affect me as it did but, strokes are debilitating and Mr. Clark is only human! He has progressed better than average I think, and it's a comfort to speculate that he himself might be comforted in the knowledge that he damn well was afforded health enough to be able to make the come back overwhich so many unfortunate others aren't. God bless him!
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1-01-2006 @ 6:39PM
Lesley said...
Just for the record, I love you Dick Clark! He probably doesn't frequent this site, but if he did, I would tell him that I was so proud of him last night. The show was entertaining (I will excuse the California portion) and well put together. Dressed sharply, as usual, Dick looked fantastic. Even with the fact of suffering a stroke, he looked great! Vocally, the obvious was that his speech was affected. But imagine the progress he made since 12/6/04! Our icon couldn't walk nor talk. He flowed nicely considering the circumstances. Keep up the good work, Dick. For as long as YOU want to. Don't let anyone else dictate otherwise!!!!!!!!!!
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1-01-2006 @ 6:46PM
cari Biamonte said...
Dick Clark behind the scenes? Never. He was an inspriation. I suffered a stroke in October of 2004. I've regained all my physical functions, but what if I didn't? Should I be too ashamed to publicly move forward? Should you or anyone you love stay behind the scenes because they are different from what they use to be like? YOU GO DICK! I thought his decision to step out in public is showing all of his viewers that he too is human, and that we as humans should have faith, courage and support for one another. ROCK ON FOR 2007 Dick Clark.
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1-01-2006 @ 6:46PM
cari Biamonte said...
Dick Clark behind the scenes? Never. He was an inspriation. I suffered a stroke in October of 2004. I've regained all my physical functions, but what if I didn't? Should I be too ashamed to publicly move forward? Should you or anyone you love stay behind the scenes because they are different from what they use to be like? YOU GO DICK! I thought his decision to step out in public is showing all of his viewers that he too is human, and that we as humans should have faith, courage and support for one another. ROCK ON FOR 2007 Dick Clark.
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1-01-2006 @ 6:57PM
Steve said...
It was great to see Dick Clark again. For over 50 years on television we have enjoyed both Guy Lombardo and Dick Clark. The real star of New Years Eve is Times Square and never before in television history has Times Square been showcased on live television like it was last night. CNN, FOX News, ABC, FOX, NBC, ESPN and MTV all produced live shows from every conceivable angle of Times Square. For those that remmember Guy Lombardo, we thought the tradition would end there..but no..Dick Clark became Mr New Years Eve..it was great to have him back.
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1-01-2006 @ 7:34PM
Cynthia said...
I agree with "Tammy-6 stars". Also, whatever God Almighty has enabled him to do he should have the chance to do. I'm hoping he's a "Born-again Christian" so as to see him in Heaven as well.
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1-01-2006 @ 7:54PM
steve napoli said...
Dick Clark was articulate and spoke in complete sentenses. More than I can say I've ever heard from GW Bush. I feel embarassed as a human being every time GW stands up and represents our country. Watching Dick last night was inspirational. Good job, Dick.
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1-01-2006 @ 8:06PM
Chrissy said...
It's disgusting to read comments on the web ridiculing this wonderful man. What he did last night was so courageous. He has made remarkable strides in the last 12 months to recover from what was obviously a devastating stroke, and slurred speech or not, I hope he sticks around for many years to come. People seem to forget that this man is 76-years-old!!! He is doing really well, all things considered, and I hope he continues to improve and returns again next year!
New Year's Eve is not the same without Dick Clark.
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1-01-2006 @ 8:07PM
Emily said...
I thought Dick sounded great considering what he has been through. He looked great the couple of times I tuned in, but the camera was panned way back. I am not sure where all the Seacrest hatred comes from. He just seems to be another talking head to me. The one that really irritated me was the woman working the crowd, screaming into the microphone and trying to interview drunk and/or stupid people over the blaring music.
Good job, Dick. See ya next year!
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1-01-2006 @ 8:17PM
C.P. Taylor said...
To Mr. Dick Clark...you are an inspiration to all of us; you are truly what rehabilitation, determination, and perseverance are about. You have truly had the watchful eye of God on you. Several comments have not been favorable to you, but those comments are from cowards. You remain one of the true Hollywood legends that I will hold in my heart forever. You are an example of dignity and I shall hope that you have many happy, healthy years ahead of you so that you can continue to bring pleasure to so many of us. May God continue to give you strength through His hands and hold you close in His heart...you'll always have a special place in my heart!!! Thank you for all that you do for so many...Cyber hugs, Cindy
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