In Memoriam

Frank Bielec, Star of Trading Spaces, Dies at Age 72

The interior designer was with the TLC show from its first episode in 2000.
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By Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Texas-born interior designer Frank Bielec died of a heart attack Friday, according to his wife Judy Lynn Neal in an interview with TMZ. The upbeat, quip-ready reality television star appeared on all eight seasons of Trading Spaces's original run, starting in 2000. He also appeared on the numerous spin-offs, and was back on board for the recent relaunch. His colleague Vern Yip called him “funny, wise, nice and talented” in a social media post late Friday.

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Bielec started his career as an elementary school art teacher, then became a florist for 20 years. He also made artwork, showing it in local galleries, and had a cross-stich company with his wife.

Before the relaunch of Trading Spaces, Frank recorded a short video to explain what he’d been up to since he was last on the air.

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Fans and show participants expressed their admiration for Bielec on social media.

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In this video, you can watch the cheery Texan describe a "pillah" as "it looks like somebody shot a Muppet." He will be missed.

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