Famous Game Show Host Passed Away At 83

Chuck Woolery, the celebrated game show host renowned for being the inaugural presenter of Wheel of Fortune, has passed away at the age of 83. His close friend and podcast collaborator, Mark Young, told TMZ that he was visiting Woolery at his home in Texas when Chuck expressed feeling unwell and decided to lie down. Shortly thereafter, he returned to inform Young that he was experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite calling for emergency assistance, Woolery sadly succumbed before help could reach him. Born on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery was a multifaceted American television personality, game show host, and musician. With his engaging personality and sharp humor, he became a well-known figure in the entertainment world, especially within game shows. Woolery’s journey began in music as part of the pop group The Avant-Garde which achieved fame with their hit Naturally Stoned in 1968. He later ventured into a solo career focusing on country music with multiple single releases. His transition from music to television showcased his natural charisma and talent for captivating audiences. In 1975, he took on the role of the original host for Wheel of Fortune and remained until 1981 when he departed over a salary disagreement—this position solidified his reputation as a leading game show host. Afterward, Woolery hosted numerous other successful programs such as Love Connection (1983-1994), where his witty commentary became legendary and Scrabble (1984-1990), based on the beloved word game.