Dick Clark returns to California home after release from hospital

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) _ ``American Bandstand'' icon Dick Clark is recuperating at home after a minor stroke put him in the hospital for more than seven weeks. <br/><br/>Clark, 75, returned to his

Thursday, January 27th 2005, 7:03 am

By: News On 6

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) _ ``American Bandstand'' icon Dick Clark is recuperating at home after a minor stroke put him in the hospital for more than seven weeks.

Clark, 75, returned to his Malibu home Wednesday and was grateful for the many cards and letters he received during his hospital stay, publicist Paul Shefrin said.

``He was very touched by the outpouring of support, not only from the celebrity world but from the people on the streets of New York,'' Shefrin said.

For the first time in 32 years, Clark was unable to host his ``New Year's Rockin' Eve'' show from Times Square. Daytime talk show host Regis Philbin stood in while Clark watched from his hospital bed.

During the broadcast, fans on the street held up ``Get Well Dick'' signs. Madonna, John Travolta, Janet Jackson and other celebrities were shown on videotape expressing best wishes.

Shefrin wouldn't discuss the impact of the stroke.