Before They Were Stars
HOT GALLERY: New Year’s Eve TV Hosts Past and Present—Before They Were Stars
Pop culture pop quiz time. What kind of list contains the names Anderson Cooper, Tila Tequila, and Howard Stern? (Cue the Jeopardy theme.) Give up? They have all served as hosts of New Year's Eve specials at least once during their careers. Although the annual TV appearances of folks like Dick Clark (and heir apparent Ryan Seacrest) are as attached to ringing in the New Year as "Auld Lang Syne," other talented people have helped us count down, kiss our sweethearts, and make resolutions. (Breaking them starts the next day. It's okay, we do it too. We're not judging.) Let's look at some New Year's Eve TV hosts, past and present, before they became stars. 10... 9... 8... By Brett Singer
Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Christopher Polk/Getty Images for ATI
Dick Clark—Now
It was a tad disheartening to see Dick Clark—who died April 18, 2012 of a massive heart attack—on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve after he suffered a stroke. We all remember his contagious enthusiasm for the massive Times Square crowds he led with his signature countdown to midnight. But, he had become so synonymous with New Year’s Eve, we can understand why he wanted to stay on the air, even in a diminished role. His commitment to the institution he built as the host of New Year’s Eve festivities was both admirable and unwavering. Ryan Seacrest has some huge shoes to fill.
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