Legendary Game Show Host Chuck Woolery Passes Away at 83

2024-11-25

Legendary game show host Chuck Woolery, best known as the original emcee of “Wheel of Fortune” and the host of “Love Connection,” has passed away at the age of 83. His death occurred on November 23, 2024, at his home in Texas, and was confirmed by his friend and podcast co-host Mark Young, who noted that Woolery experienced breathing difficulties prior to his passing.

Born on March 6, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery initially pursued a career in music and achieved a Top 40 hit with the song “Naturally Stoned” as part of the band The Avant-Garde. He later transitioned to television, becoming the first host of “Wheel of Fortune” from its inception in 1975 until 1981, when he left following a salary dispute that led to Pat Sajak taking over the role.

Woolery continued to make his mark in television by hosting several other popular shows, including “Love Connection,” where he became known for the catchphrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds.” His extensive career also included hosting “Scrabble,” “Greed,” and a revival of “The Dating Game,” among others. He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007.

Towards the end of his career, Woolery became a vocal supporter of conservative politics, co-hosting the right-wing podcast “Blunt Force Truth.” He was known for his outspoken views on various issues, including his skepticism regarding COVID-19.

Woolery is survived by his wife, Kim Barnes, and his children: Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean. He was also preceded in death by his son Chad, who died in a motorcycle accident in 1986. His contributions to television and his colorful personality left a lasting legacy in the game show industry.

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