Posted on 12/31/2005 9:15:55 PM PST by beyond the sea
NEW YORK -- There was more to celebrate than the ball dropping in Times Square for Dick Clark _ the personality who's been ringing in the New Year for decades made his first television appearance since a stroke in late 2004.
Clark, sitting behind a desk with the street scene in the background, sounded hoarse and occasionally was hard to understand, but he said, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
"Last year I had a stroke," he explained. "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."
(Excerpt) Read more at nynewsday.com ...
I was glad to see that Dick made it back. He's done very well coming back from that stroke!
Happy New Year!
He did very well. Courage is a good word for him. Maybe he's not as vain as he appeared!
Happy New Year! Remember, buzzed driving IS drunk driving! :)
I missed it. How was he?
Bravo for him. This must have kept him going all year. I didn't see it - how did he do? I think he had a harder road than those who don't get told every day that they are never aging. Happy New Year, Dick!
He doesn't look like he'll be doing this much longer.
Hats off to Dick Clark, good to see him still going, unbelievable really, I remember him from way back on the original American Bandstand.
Happy New Year FReepers!
He looks great as always, but has some difficulty with his words, but doing, I thought, a pretty decent job, especially considering his circumstances.
He may give it up, but he certainly seems determined to give it his all in his recovery.
It looked like Dick Clark, but the tone of his voice has changed and is raspy as well. He had trouble pronouncing his words and was unable to follow the countdown very well.
His was sitting behind a table with his right arm in his lap and his left arm sitting on the table. Neither arm moved.
Regardless, it is good to see him able to enjoy the night.
It was good to have him back, symbolically. He had some rough moments and some good breaks. Speech was a little halting and thick at times. Seems to have some weakness in his right side. But it took courage to give this a try and I for one salute him for it. Welcome back Dick. Continue with your recovery.
Isn't this Dick's 756th New Year?
He was a little rough, but soldiered on.
I think I'd give Jack Nicklaus a few putts when he turns 75.
Pick it up, Jack - it's good.
Actually he used his left arm to gesture frequently. I thought he possibly lost his right arm movement, but one break showed him using it, although with some limit. It took real courage to him to come back. Was it stellar Clark. No, but I non the less am glad he made the show.
I'm waiting for the Bangles to see if Susannah Hoffs is still hot.
I'm getting old. I remember when Linda Rhonstadt and Stevie Nicks were hot!
Heard an interview with Dick Clark on XM Radio today and he sounded great! Good to see "America's Oldest Teenager" back.
Happy New Year to all FReepers!
She's still quite hot!
There are better men than me enfeebled by age.
I'll not deny them my respect.
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