Fans of the show “Trading Spaces” are in mourning this weekend after the death of beloved designer Frank Bielec, who passed away on Friday at the age of 72.
Bielec’s death was confirmed by his wife Judy, who told TMZ that he died at a hospital in Houston, Texas after suffering from a heart attack.
He spent years starring on the TLC television show “Trading Spaces,” appearing on it when it first started in 2000 until it ended in 2008. He then returned again for the reboot of the show in 2018, much to the delight of his fans.
TLC released a brief statement to Fox News mourning Bielec’s death.
“A very sad day for the TLC family as we learn of the passing of beloved Trading Spaces designer Frank Bielec,” the network said.
“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. We love you Frank!”
Vern Yip, the longtime host of “Trading Spaces,” publicly mourned Bielec on Twitter.
“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,” Yip 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. 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
Ty Pennington, another star of “Trading Spaces,” spoke out to honor Bielec as well.
“One of the beat humans I’ve had the good fortune to call friend. You will be missed Frank,” Pennington tweeted.
One of the beat humans I’ve had the good fortune to call friend. You will be missed Frank #frankbielec #tradingspaces #TLC @TLC @Discovery pic.twitter.com/Sb2CGy5eZh
— Ty Pennington (@typennington) May 16, 2020
Bielec reportedly began his career as an elementary school teacher before becoming a florist and earning a master’s degree in fine arts.
He and his wife went on to launch their own business called “Mosey ‘n Me,” where they specialized in cross-stitching, before he signed on for “Trading Spaces.”
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