The designer who transformed American homes on ‘Trading Spaces’ has passed away at the age of 72.
Frank Bielec’s death was confirmed by his wife, Judy, who told TMZ that the designer passed away on May 15 in a Houston hospital.
The day before he died, he had a heart attack and was rushed to a hospital in Katy, Texas, but was moved to a specialist hospital in Houston.
According to TMZ, his devastated wife said doctors also cried when he passed away.
Bielec is known as the hilarious home designer who starred on TV show Trading Spaces from 2000 to 2008. The Texas native became a TV star thanks to the show’s amazing success.
The TLC show involved homeowners swapping homes and working with decorators to renovate a room with a $1,000 budget.
Bielec started his career as an elementary school teacher, teaching social studies and art. He then got a master’s in fine arts and became a florist for two decades.
It was in 1989 when Bielec decided to set up a cross-stitch business ‘Mosey ‘n Me’ with his wife Judy. His lovable character and his passion for art and design allowed him to discover a decorative paint convention in Nashville.
Bielec also had some guest appearances on HGTV before he starred on Trading Spaces for eight years alongside other TV newcomers Laurie Smith, Ty Pennington, Amy Wynn, Genevieve Gorder, Doug Wilson, and Hildi Santo-Tomas.
In a 2009 interview with Katy Magazine, Bielec said he felt he was an unlikely star on the show and shared how he was almost let go by bosses due to the way he dressed.
“I always wore shorts and crappy clothes because I was working and it was hot,” Bielec said. “I figured if the carpenters could dress that way, I could too, but boy did we get phone calls.”
He added: “I was the oldest one on the set so they treated me like gold. They looked to me like a father figure.”
His co-stars paid tribute to him on social media. Ty Pennington wrote: “One of the best humans I’ve had the good fortune to call friend. You will be missed Frank.”
Vern Yip tweeted: “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.”
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