Texas-born interior designer Frank Bielec died of a heart attack Friday, according to his wife Judy Lynn Neal in an interview with TMZ. The upbeat, quip-ready reality television star appeared on all eight seasons of Trading Spaces‘s original run, starting in 2000. He also appeared on the numerous spin-offs, and was back on board for the recent relaunch. His colleague Vern Yip called him “funny, wise, nice and talented” in a social media post late Friday.
Bielec started his career as an elementary school art teacher, then became a florist for 20 years. He also made artwork, showing it in local galleries, and had a cross-stich company with his wife.
Before the relaunch of Trading Spaces, Frank recorded a short video to explain what he’d been up to since he was last on the air.
Fans and show participants expressed their admiration for Bielec on social media.
In this video, you can watch the cheery Texan describe a “pillah” as “it looks like somebody shot a Muppet.” He will be missed.
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