Curious World Staff
Chuck Woolery, the original host of Wheel of Fortune and a prominent game show icon, passed away at 83. Woolery died Saturday at his home in Texas after experiencing breathing difficulties, as confirmed by his podcast co-host, Mark Young.
“It is with a broken heart that I tell you my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away. Life will not be the same without him,” Young shared on X.
Woolery was born on March 6, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, and served two years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Enterprise before enrolling at Morehead State University. He dropped out of college to pursue music, performing with bands such as The Bordermen and the psychedelic pop ensemble Avant-Garde. In 1968, the latter earned a Billboard success with “Naturally Stoned”. Woolery previously recorded several albums and wrote jingles before moving to television.
His big break came in 1975 when Merv Griffin, impressed by Woolery’s Tonight Show performance, offered him the hosting role on Wheel of Fortune. He hosted until 1981, when Pat Sajak took over. Woolery went on to host other popular shows like Love Connection, Scrabble, Lingo, and a revival of The Dating Game.
Woolery, a fervent conservative and First Amendment supporter, was outspoken about his political views, producing the right-leaning podcast Blunt Force Truth and formerly conducting the syndicated radio commentary Save Us Chuck Woolery. He made waves in 2020 for questionable C0V1D 19 remarks posted on social media.
Woolery was married four times and had five children. He is survived by his wife, Kim, and children Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean. His son Chad tragically passed away in a 1986 motorcycle accident.
Woolery, a multi-talented artist and outspoken figure, has left a legacy that includes music, television, and political speech.
