Dick Clark Biography: Age at Death, Net Worth, Wife, Children,TV Shows, Age, Wikipedia, Height, Parents, Family

Dick Clark was a Television and radio personality, and producer who emerged as a pivotal figure in American entertainment, renowned for his influential role in bringing rock ‘n’ roll into mainstream culture.

As the host of American Bandstand, he introduced countless musical acts to national audiences, shaping the tastes of a generation.

Profile

• Full name: Richard Wagstaff Clark
• Nickname: “America’s Oldest Teenager”
• Date of birth: November 30, 1929
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Mount Vernon, New York, USA
• State of origin: New York
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Television and radio personality, producer
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches
• Parents: Richard Augustus Clark and Julia Fuller Clark
• Siblings: Bradley Clark (deceased)
• Spouse: Barbara Mallery (m. 1952–1961), Loretta Martin (m. 1962–1971), Kari Wigton (m. 1977–2012)
• Children: Richard A. Clark, Duane Clark, Cindy Clark
• Relationship status: Married at time of death
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Net worth: $200 million

Early Life and Education

Born on November 30, 1929, in Mount Vernon, New York, Richard Wagstaff is posthumously at the age of 96 as of 2025. Clark was the younger son of Richard Augustus Clark and Julia Fuller Clark. His father was a sales manager, and his older brother, Bradley, served in World War II but tragically lost his life during the conflict.

Clark‘s early years in Mount Vernon were marked by an interest in radio, which led him to pursue higher education at Syracuse University. There, he graduated in 1951 with a degree in business administration, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life

Dick Clark‘s first marriage was to Barbara Mallery in 1952, with whom he had a son, Richard A. Clark; the couple divorced in 1961. In 1962, he married Loretta Martin, and they had two children together: Duane and Cindy Clark; this marriage ended in 1971.

His third marriage was to Kari Wigton in 1977, a union that lasted until his passing in 2012. Clark‘s family life remained relatively private, with his children pursuing careers outside the limelight.

Career

Clark‘s career began in the mailroom of WRUN, a radio station in Utica, New York, owned by his uncle and managed by his father. He quickly moved up the ranks to become a weatherman and announcer.

In 1952, he joined WFIL in Philadelphia, where he became a substitute host for Bob Horn‘s “Bandstand.” By 1956, Clark had become the full-time host, and under his guidance, the show was rebranded as American Bandstand and picked up by ABC for national distribution in 1957.

The program featured teenagers dancing to the latest hits and showcased live performances by popular artists, significantly influencing American music and dance trends. Clark‘s clean-cut image and approachable demeanor made him a trusted figure in households across the nation.

Beyond American Bandstand, Clark hosted various game shows, including The $10,000 Pyramid, and produced numerous television programs and awards shows through his company, Dick Clark Productions.

His annual New Year’s Rockin’ Eve became a staple of New Year’s celebrations, cementing his role as a central figure in American entertainment.

Awards

Throughout his career, Clark received numerous accolades, including four Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his substantial contributions to the entertainment industry.

Net Worth

At the time of his death, Dick Clark‘s net worth was estimated to be around $200 million. This wealth was accumulated through his extensive work in television hosting, production, and various business ventures within the entertainment sector.

Death

Dick Clark passed away on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82, due to a heart attack following a medical procedure in Santa Monica, California. His death marked the end of an era in American entertainment, and he was widely mourned by fans and colleagues alike.

Controversy

In 1960, during the height of his career, Clark faced scrutiny during the congressional payola investigations, which sought to uncover illicit payments made by record companies to broadcasters to promote certain songs. Clark was called to testify before Congress due to his influential position in the music industry through American Bandstand.

While he admitted to having had financial interests in record companies and artists featured on his show, he denied any wrongdoing and was never charged. This episode led to increased regulations in broadcasting but did not significantly tarnish Clark‘s reputation.

Social Media

N/A

Filmography

• American Bandstand (1956–1989)
• The $10,000 Pyramid (1973–1974)
• The $25,000 Pyramid (1982–1988)
• New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (1973–2011)
• TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes (1984–2004)
• American Dreams (2002–2005)
• Dick Clark’s Rock, Roll & Remember (1995)
• The Other Half (2001–2003)
• Grease: You’re the One That I Want! (2007)

Books

• Rock, Roll & Remember (1976)
• Dick Clark’s American Bandstand (1997)
• Your Happiest Years (1986)
• The History of American Bandstand (1996)