Did Dick Clark have a stroke?

Answer 1

Yes. He suffered a stroke on December 8, 2004 (just about three weeks before he was to host his 33rd Annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC on 12/31/04), he was hospitalized in L.A, California after suffering what was referred to as a minor stroke. He was hospitalized but was expected to be fine and suffer limited effects.

However, the effects of the stroke took more of a toll than originally reported. So, on Friday, December 31, 2004, Regis Philbin (a very longtime close friend of Clark's) hosted "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in his absence.

Clark returned the next year to host the 2005 - 2006 broadcast on Saturday, December 31, 2005 (also alongside his wife, Kari Wigton). Clark appeared on Rockin' Eve 2006 in a slightly smaller studio role along with Seacrest in Times Square, and Hilary Duff via satellite in Hollywood. During the program, Clark remained behind a desk, and was only shown in limited segments. His speech was slower and deeper, and he exhibited difficulty with limited use of his right arm. However, he seemed to be completely in control of his faculties, making comments on how great the evening was going in Times Square. During the show, Clark brought millions of viewers to tears when he addressed his fans and said,

Last year I had a stroke. It left me in bad shape. I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again. It's been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect but I'm getting there.

Also, before Clark was counting down to 2006, he mentioned that he,

Wouldn't have missed this [the telecast] for the world.

Clark's countdown, however, was ahead of the actual time and, in fact, with three seconds still remaining on the clock Clark had already finished his countdown, declaring "Happy 2006!" with the crowd at Times Square still counting down the remaining two seconds and his wife by his side supporting his spirit and efforts, holding his hand and kissing him as they welcomed the new year.

Clark's fans praised the legendary MC for being a role model for people dealing with post-stroke recovery.