Chuck Woolery, Host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Love Connection,’ Dies at 83
Chuck Woolery, the charismatic game show host known for launching the iconic Wheel of Fortune and hosting Love Connection for over a decade, has passed away at the age of 83. His friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young, confirmed Woolery’s death, sharing the news on social media. Woolery died Saturday at his home in Texas, though additional details surrounding his passing were not immediately available.
A Multi-Talented Career Chuck Woolery
Woolery began his career in the entertainment industry as a singer in the orchestral pop band The Avant-Garde, which achieved a Top 40 hit in 1968 with “Naturally Stoned.” The song later served as the theme for a short-lived reality series he hosted on the Game Show Network in 2003.
His big break came when he auditioned to host a new game show created by Merv Griffin after performing “Delta Dawn” on The Merv Griffin Show. Woolery was selected to host the revamped Wheel of Fortune, which debuted on NBC on January 6, 1975. Under his hosting, the show became a resounding success, achieving a remarkable 44 share in 1981. However, disputes regarding his salary led to his departure from the show, paving the way for Pat Sajak to take over.
Success with Love Connection Chuck Woolery
Despite the setback, Woolery rebounded spectacularly with Love Connection, where he presided over more than 2,000 episodes from 1983 to 1994. At its peak, the show grossed around $25 million a year and attracted 4.5 million daily viewers, making Woolery a household name in the process. His estimated earnings reached $1 million annually during his tenure.
Beyond hosting, Woolery sought to diversify his career. He hosted his own CBS daytime morning show and co-hosted Home and Family on the Family Channel. He also lent his presence to various game shows, including Lingo on the Game Show Network and a reboot of The Dating Game.
Early Life and Career Developments Chuck Woolery
Born on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Charles Herbert Woolery briefly attended the University of Kentucky before serving in the U.S. Navy. He later studied economics at Morehead State University while working in sales. Woolery founded The Avant-Garde in Nashville in 1967 before transitioning to television. His path to success included appearances in various TV shows and films.
Woolery earned a Daytime Emmy Award in 1978 for his work on Wheel of Fortune, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in game show history.
Lasting Legacy and Personal Life Chuck Woolery
Woolery’s approach to Love Connection—which included a playful trademark of announcing returns from commercials in “two and two”—captured the audience’s attention. He once controversially stated that the show would not feature gay couples, believing it wouldn’t resonate with the majority audience.
In his later years, Woolery became an avid fisherman and co-hosted the right-wing podcast Blunt Force Truth alongside Young. He was married four times, including to actress Jo Ann Pflug from 1972 to 1980, and had eight children or stepchildren.
Chuck Woolery leaves behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in television, remembered for his charm, quick wit, and significant contributions to the world of game shows. His influence remains felt through the lasting popularity of the programs he helped create.
