Getty Images
Frank Bielec, Beloved 'Trading Spaces' Designer, Dead at 72
Frank Bielec, one of the most cherished figures within the interior design community, has recently passed away at the age of 72 following a heart attack.
Advertisement
The news was shared by his wife, Judy Bielec, who said that her husband drew his last breath on Friday, one day after he was taken to a hospital in Katy, Texas.
Frank Bielec and fellow "Trading Spaces" star Kahi Lee on stage during the TLC portion of the Discovery Communications Winter TCA Event 2018 at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California | Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for Discovery
According to Judy, her husband was then transferred to a hospital in Houston for some specialized treatment. Sadly, the doctors didn't manage to save him.
It has been reported that the medical team in charge of Bielec's case was overwhelmed with emotion when they realized that there was nothing they could do to save his life.
Advertisement
FONDLY REMEMBERED
Following his passing, Vern Yip, a fellow "Trading Spaces" designer, took to his official Twitter account to honor his memory. He wrote:
"Lovely Frank Bielec passed away today from complications following a heart attack. Funny, wise, nice, and talented, he always lent perspective and levity to every situation."
Yip ended the tribute thanking Bielec for always being kind to him and telling him that he would miss him dearly. The two stars worked together between 2001 and 2003, as well as in 2007.
Advertisement
"The series' original run lasted for eight seasons and the designer appeared in every single episode"
Frank Bielec from 'Trading Spaces' on stage during the TLC portion of the Discovery Communications Winter TCA Event 2018 at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California | Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for Discovery
PRIOR TO BEING FAMOUS
But prior to becoming a TV star, which, according to Bielec, happened as a joke that he never got the punchline to, he worked as an elementary school teacher.
Eventually, he grew tired of the educational system and became a florist, a business in which he was involved for 20 years, with a specialty in magnificent floral arrangements.
Advertisement
THE FACE OF THE SHOW
Bielec was on TLC's "Trading Spaces" ever since it launched back in 2000. The series' original run lasted for eight seasons and the designer appeared in every single episode.
The late star also had the opportunity to work alongside names such as Genevieve Gorder, Carter Oosterhouse and Ty Pennington, who remembered Bielec on social media.
The former "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" host posted a photo of Bielec holding a possum, honoring the 72-year-old's love for animals.
Pennington described Bielec as one of the "best humans" he had the good fortune to call a friend and ended the emotional message by saying how much he will miss him.
Advertisement
Advertisement
