Chuck Woolery, the affable television host who brought his smooth charm to game shows like Wheel of Fortune, Love Connection, and Scrabble, has died at the age of 83. Woolery passed away at his home in Texas, accompanied by his wife, Kristen, according to his longtime friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young. "Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith," Young said in a statement. "Life will not be the same without him."
Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery's rise to television fame was anything but conventional. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended Morehead State University but left to pursue a career in music. Woolery initially found success with the psychedelic pop duo The Avant-Garde, which scored a Top 40 hit in 1968 with "Naturally Stoned." His passion for music later led him into country music, where he wrote songs for notable artists like Tammy Wynette.
In 1975, Woolery transitioned to television, becoming the first host of Wheel of Fortune. His stint on the show lasted until 1981 when a contract dispute with creator Merv Griffin cut it short. Woolery sought to match the $500,000 annual salary of other top game show hosts, but Griffin balked, leading to Woolery's replacement by Pat Sajak.
Undeterred, Woolery soon found greater success with Love Connection, which premiered in 1983. The show, which aired long before the era of dating apps, paired singles who shared their post-date experiences with a studio audience. Woolery's signature sign-off, "We'll be back in two and two," became a cultural catchphrase. "One of my favorite guests was a 91-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman," Woolery once told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette, and he said, 'I remember wagon trains.'"
Over the years, Woolery hosted several other shows, including Scrabble, Lingo, and The Dating Game. His charisma and wit earned him an Emmy nomination in 1978 and an induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007. Despite these accolades, not all his ventures were successful. His 2003 reality show, Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned, lasted just six episodes and was panned by critics.
In later years, Woolery shifted his focus to politics, becoming a prominent conservative voice. In 2014, he launched the podcast Blunt Force Truth with Mark Young, where he openly shared his views on issues like gun rights, COVID-19, and the economy. During the pandemic, Woolery sparked controversy by claiming, "The most outrageous lies are the ones about COVID-19. Everyone is lying. The CDC, media, Democrats, our doctors-not all but most."
His comments were retweeted by then-President Donald Trump, amplifying their reach. However, Woolery later clarified his stance after revealing his son had tested positive for the virus. "COVID-19 is real, and it is here," he wrote, expressing empathy for those affected.
Despite his political polarizing views, Woolery remained active in the entertainment industry, hosting 80s Quiz Show as recently as 2024. His ability to adapt and remain relevant across decades underscored his lasting appeal.
In addition to his wife, Woolery is survived by his children, Michael, Sean, and Melissa. Reflecting on his multifaceted career, Woolery once said, "I never planned any of this. I just walked through the doors that opened and gave it my best." His legacy as a pioneer of game show television and a polarizing political figure ensures he will not be forgotten.
