Chuck Woolery, a renowned game show host and co-founder of the popular show “Wheel of Fortune,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 83. Woolery’s death was confirmed by his friend and podcast co-host Mark Young, who reported that Woolery had been experiencing breathing difficulties at his Texas home.
Born on March 6, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery served in the US Navy for two years aboard the USS Enterprise. After his military service, he attended Morehead State University, where he studied economics and sociology. However, he left university early to pursue his dreams in the entertainment industry.
Woolery’s career in entertainment began in music. He was a member of the folk band The Bordermen and the psychedelic-pop group Avant-Garde. He also wrote several commercial jingles and a few country music ballads. His song “Naturally Stoned,” released with Avant-Garde in 1968, made it to the Billboard Top 40. Woolery also recorded five albums with Columbia and two with RCA.
Woolery transitioned into acting and appeared in several television shows before landing his breakthrough role in 1975 as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” He secured this position on the recommendation of TV legend Merv Griffin, who had seen Woolery perform on the “Tonight Show.” Woolery hosted “Wheel of Fortune” until 1981, when he was succeeded by Pat Sajak.
In addition to “Wheel of Fortune,” Woolery hosted several other shows, including “Love Connection,” “Scrabble,” “Lingo,” a revival of “The Dating Game,” and most recently “80s Quiz Show.” Woolery was also known for his political conservatism, support for the Republican party, and advocacy for the First Amendment.
Woolery was not shy about expressing his views online and was once controversially retweeted by then-President Trump for a post about COVID-19. He also shared his opinions on his right-leaning syndicated radio commentary show, “Save Us Chuck Woolery,” and his podcast with Young, “Blunt Force Truth.”
Woolery was married four times and had five children. He is survived by his wife Kim and his children Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean. His son Chad tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1986.