The world of entertainment was saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of 82-year-old Dick Clark, the man whose name has been synonymous with New Year's Eve for decades, and the host of the cultural touchstone (and potentially the original reality show) American Bandstand.

Bandstand was a musical platform for many soon-to-be industry giants, including Madonna and Michael Jackson. Clark was at the helm of the broadcast from 1956 to the end of its run in 1989. In addition to launching the careers of many of music's biggest names, he integrated the program when he took over, inviting African-American teens to dance on show.

Statements about his death flooded in from far and wide Wednesday, including condolences from the Oval Office, tweets from around the world, and a special mention from Ryan Seacrest at the top of American Idol hours after the news broke.

For decades to come, when the New Year's Eve countdown begins, we'll think of the Character Approved Dick Clark, on his night, forever young and present in our minds.

[Image: ABC/Ida Mae Astute]