Chuck Woolery, 'Love Connection' and 'Wheel of Fortune' Host, Dead at 83

Chuck Woolery, who made his mark on the world of television as a major game show host, died on Nov. 23 at the age of 83.

The sad news was confirmed by Mark Young, a close friend of Woolery's who hosted the podcast Blunt Force Truth with him. He told the Associated Press that Woolery passed away at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, by his side, saying, "Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him."

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He also shared a few photos of himself with Woolery as he wrote about the news on X, adding the message, "It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away. Life will not be the same without him,RIP brother."

Woolery began his career in the entertainment industry as a singer, both as a soloist and in the groups The Avant-Garde and The Bordermen. While he found some success over the years with music, he eventually turned to acting, appearing as Mr. Dingle in the children's show New Zoo Revue throughout the '70s and acting in the film The Treasure of Jamaica Reef.

But Woolery's career really took off when he got the job as the original host of the TV game show Wheel of Fortune, which started in 1975. He held the position until 1981 when Pat Sajak replaced him after a contract dispute. Woolery made his mark with the show, even earning an Emmy nomination in 1978.

The late TV star went on to host a number of game shows in the following years, including Love Connection, Scrabble and The Dating Game. He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007.

In recent years, Woolery hosted the podcast Blunt Force Truth with Young, discussing current events from a conservative perspective. He is survived by his wife and children.

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