Chuck Woolery, Original “Wheel of Fortune” Host, Dies at 83
Chuck Woolery, beloved game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection,” and “Scrabble,” has passed away at 83.
Woolery died at home in Texas, surrounded by his wife, Kristen. He is survived by his children Michael, Sean, and Melissa, as well as a legacy that spans decades in television.
Susan Stafford, Woolery’s co-host on “Wheel of Fortune,” paid tribute, saying in a statement, “Chuck Woolery was without doubt the Real Deal. Our 7 years as the original host and hostess on Wheel of Fortune were like magic. He was an original. There was no one like Chuck…so grateful to know I will see him again.”
Woolery’s career highlights include hosting “Love Connection” for 11 years, where he coined the catchphrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” and fronting “Scrabble” until 1990. His work earned him a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978 and induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007.
Before fame, Woolery served in the U.S. Navy and dabbled in music with The Avant-Garde. He transitioned to television in 1975 as the first host of “Wheel of Fortune.” After a salary dispute, he was replaced by Pat Sajak but went on to host shows like “Lingo,” “Greed,” and “The Chuck Woolery Show.”
Woolery also explored reality TV with the Game Show Network’s “Naturally Stoned” in 2003 and podcasting later in life. A proud constitutionalist, he shared conservative views after retiring from Hollywood.
“Chuck Woolery was more than a game show host; he was a pioneer and friend,” Stafford said. His enduring charm and spirituality leave an indelible mark on fans and colleagues alike.
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