NEW YORK – Chuck Woolery, the charismatic and charming game show host best known for his roles on “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection,” and “Scrabble,” has died at the age of 83. Woolery passed away at his home in Texas, with his wife, Kristen, by his side. Mark Young, Woolery's podcast co-host and close friend, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith. Life will not be the same without him.”

Woolery's television career spanned several decades, during which he made an indelible mark on the landscape of American game shows. He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1978 for his work.

He began hosting “Love Connection” in 1983, a groundbreaking show that featured singles picking date options from audition tapes. Woolery's iconic sign-off, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” became a hallmark of the program. The playful nature of “Love Connection” captured the hearts of audiences well before the advent of modern dating apps.

Woolery's other notable works include hosting “Lingo,” “Greed,” and “The Chuck Woolery Show,” as well as a short-lived revival of “The Dating Game.” In 1992, he made a guest appearance on the popular soap opera “Melrose Place,” showcasing his versatility beyond game shows.

Beginning his career as a host in the iconic “Wheel of Fortune,” Woolery welcomed contestants and audiences when the show debuted on January 6, 1975. Initially called “Shopper’s Bazaar,” the program featured unique puzzles similar to Hangman and a roulette wheel. Woolery, who was then aspiring to be a singer, was brought on board by creator Merv Griffin after a memorable appearance on “The Merv Griffin Show.” Despite an initial rejection from NBC, the show was retooled and eventually became a monumental success.

However, after asking for a salary equal to his predecessor, Woolery was replaced by Pat Sajak, who transformed the show into a massive hit that still enjoys enormous popularity today. Woolery reflected on his tenure, acknowledging the transition of “Wheel of Fortune” into a cultural phenomenon alongside Sajak and Vanna White.

Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery served in the U.S. Navy before pursuing an education in college. He initially gained fame as a musician, forming the psychedelic rock group The Avant-Garde, which produced the Top 40 hit “Naturally Stoned.” Following the group's disbandment, Woolery shifted gears to focus on his television career while also releasing music in the country genre.

In later years, Woolery became known for his right-wing podcasting career, focusing on political commentary. He hosted the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” alongside Mark Young, where he expressed his conservative views and became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. His controversial opinions, particularly regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, garnered significant media attention. Initially, Woolery claimed that much of the information surrounding the virus was a political construct aimed at hindering the economy and Trump’s re-election. However, after a personal family experience with the virus, he modified his stance, acknowledging the reality of COVID-19.

Woolery is survived by his wife Kristen, his sons Michael and Sean, and his daughter Melissa. His passing marks the end of an era that entertained millions, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of television and beyond.

Stay tuned for more tributes to this remarkable man who brought joy and laughter to so many!