LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The entertainment community is mourning the passing of a legend.

Dick Clark, famed TV producer and host of both “American Bandstand” and “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”, has died of a heart attack at the age of 82.

Spokesman Paul Chefrin said Clark had a heart attack Wednesday morning at Saint John’s hospital in Santa Monica, a day after he was admitted for an outpatient procedure.

Dick Clark brought rock and roll into the mainstream with “American Bandstand,’  giving cred to teens, letting them create hits and introducing popular musicians to the world.

The original “American Bandstand” was one of network TV’s longest-running series as part of ABC’s daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987.

With Dick Clark Productions  he also sparked television hits like “The $25,000 Pyramid,” ”TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes“ and the American Music Awards.

For a time in the 1980s, Clark had shows on all three networks, provided programs  to thousands of radio stations and was listed among the Forbes 400 of wealthiest Americans.

His year-end countdown from times square on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” has been a tradition for over 40 years.

Long dubbed “the world’s oldest teenager” because of his boyish appearance
    
Clark suffered a stroke in 2004 which affected his ability to speak and walk.