Chuck Woolery The Original Host of "Wheel of Fortune," Dies at 83

Chuck Woolery, an iconic game show host and entertainer, died on Saturday at the age of 83. He passed away at his Texas residence after facing breathing issues, a fact confirmed by his close friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my dear brother, Chuck Woolery, who has just passed away. Life will never be the same without him. Rest in peace, brother,” Mark Young expressed in a poignant message on X.

Chuck Woolery was born on March 6, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky. After his time in the Navy, he enrolled at Morehead State University to study economics and sociology but eventually decided to follow his dream of working in the entertainment industry.

Woolery started his career as a musician, initially joining a folk band named The Bordermen. He later became part of a psychedelic-pop group called Avant-Garde, which achieved a Billboard Top 40 hit in 1968 with their song "Naturally Stoned." He subsequently released several albums, including five with Columbia Records and two with RCA.

After his journey in music, Woolery moved into acting and featured in various television series. His rise to fame began in 1975 when he became the first host of the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune. He remained in this role until 1981, when Pat Sajak took over.

Woolery discovered his passion for game shows, hosting numerous popular programs over the years, including Love Connection, Scrabble, Lingo, a modernized edition of The Dating Game, and 80s Quiz Show.

Besides his work in television, Woolery was an outspoken conservative who frequently expressed his political opinions on social media. He also co-hosted the podcast Blunt Force Truth, where he covered a variety of subjects including politics and cultural changes.

Chuck Woolery was married four times and had a total of five children. He is survived by his spouse, Kim, and his children, Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean. His son Chad sadly lost his life in a motorcycle accident in 1986.

Chuck Woolery will be remembered as a trailblazer in the realm of game shows, known for bringing joy and entertainment to countless homes. His contributions to television and music will inspire future generations.