Frank Bielec, an American interior designer and one of the stars of TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” has died at the age of 72.
Bielec, who appeared on the home decorating series since it premiered back in 2000, died in a Houston hospital on Friday after suffering a heart attack the previous day, his wife, Judy Lynn Neal told TMZ.
TLC Network, which aired the series from 2000 to 2008, before a revival series began airing on Discovery Channel in 2018, paid tribute to him as a member of their “family.”
A sad day for the TLC family as we learn of the passing of beloved Trading Spaces designer Frank Bielec. We will miss and remember him fondly, his quirky style and wonderful sense of humor. We share our love and condolences with the entire Bielec family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/D9cozQeDM2
— TLC Network (@TLC) May 16, 2020
“A sad day for the TLC family as we learn of the passing of beloved ‘Trading Spaces’ designer Frank Bielec,” they wrote in the tweet. “We will miss and remember him fondly, his quirky style and wonderful sense of humor. We share our love and condolences with the entire Bielec family at this difficult time.”
Fellow cast member and interior designer Vern Yip tweeted his condolences as well.
“Lovely Frank Bielec passed away today from complications following a heart attack,” he wrote. “Funny, wise, nice, and talented, he always lent perspective and levity to every situation. Thanks you for always being kind to me. I will miss you dearly friend. #FrankBielec #RIP #TradingSpaces”
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. Thanks you for always being kind to me. I will miss you dearly friend. #FrankBielec #RIP #TradingSpaces pic.twitter.com/tPWAxNqRYW
— Vern Yip (@VernYipDesigns) May 16, 2020
Bielec is best known for his work on the TLC show, appearing on every season until it ended in 2008. He also took part in the show’s 2018 reboot, appearing in a grand total of 43 episodes.
His other credits include the franchise spin-offs Trading Spaces: Family and Trading Spaces: Home Free.
