Frank Bielec, the interior designer who starred on the hit-show Trading Spaces, has died. He was 72.
The beloved designer from died Friday from complications of a heart attack, Trading Spaces co-star Vern Yip confirmed on Instagram.
"I’m so, so saddened. Unbelievably funny, wise, nice, and talented, Frank always lent the right perspective, and needed levity, to every situation," Vern wrote in the post. "Thank You for always being kind to me. Always. I will miss you dearly friend. The world is darker, and much less colorful today, without you in it."
Fellow cast member Ty Pennington recalled his audition with Frank years ago in a touching tribute to his castmate's "quick wit" and "amazing" laughter. Their chemistry was undeniable from the first moment they met.
"I remember auditioning with him in Tennessee so many years ago he asked me to build him a box (for flowers) so I started measuring his height," Ty wrote on Instagram. "The cameraman realized the joke and started laughing shaking the camera. It was clear Frank and I had immediate comedy chemistry on camera."
"Saying goodbye to Frank" turned out to be "the hardest part" of leaving Trading Spaces for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty revealed.
"When I left the show to go make [Extreme Makeover], he shed tears and said, 'Your star is too big and bright for just one sky ... Go shine and share it with the universe.' Frank made me cry that day," Ty said. "With tears of pride, he did it again today. Thank you frank for letting us all reflect some of your brilliant light. You will be missed."
According to Vern, Frank is survived by his wife Judy, their son Matt, and two grandchildren: Mason and Ava.
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