Although comparing Ryan Seacrest to the iconic Dick Clark might be dubbed blasphemous in some circles, for those who came of age watching American Idol, Seacrest holds a similar pop-culture position as the longtime American Bandstand host. Now considered one of the hardest-working men in show business, the Georgia native began his career at age 16 as an intern at WSTR/Star 94 in Atlanta. A natural on the air, he was soon hosting the nighttime slot. He continued his radio career in Los Angeles and began adding on-camera gigs to his résumé, hosting low-profile shows like Gladiators 2000 and Click before American Idol elevated him from the ranks of unknown peppy personalities. He initially appeared opposite Brian Dunkleman on the wildly popular Fox reality competition, but by Season 2 he was the sole host, bantering back and forth with judge Simon Cowell, offering contestants a friendly shoulder to cry on, and charming viewers with his impossibly white smile and affable attitude. In 2005, Seacrest fulfilled a lifelong dream when he hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve alongside the ailing legend. He also became a producer of the show and was named as Clark's eventual successor. In 2006, the multitasking media man signed on to E! Entertainment Television as an anchor, delivering news and interviewing stars on the red carpet. And before long Seacrest became a celebrity in his own right, landing more and more high-profile hosting gigs, including the 59th and 60th Primetime Emmy Awards, and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Proctor & Gamble and Coca-Cola.