NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the charismatic and engaging host of popular game shows like “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection,” and “Scrabble,” has passed away at the age of 83. Woolery, who later shifted to a right-wing podcasting career, was known for critiquing liberal ideologies and questioning governmental narratives surrounding COVID-19.
His friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young, shared the news early Sunday, confirming that Woolery died peacefully at his home in Texas, surrounded by his wife, Kristen. Young remembered Woolery as a “dear friend and brother,” acknowledging the deep loss felt by those who knew him.
Woolery’s journey in television began with “Wheel of Fortune,” which he co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford starting on January 6, 1975. The show initially launched as “Shopper’s Bazaar” and featured Hangman-style puzzles. Woolery’s charm, good looks, and quick wit helped him capture the audiences, leading to his induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earning a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
In 1983, he began a beloved 11-year run on “Love Connection,” a unique dating show where singles watched audition tapes of potential partners to choose who they would go on a date with. A few weeks later, the contestants would return to share their experiences with Woolery in front of a live audience, which would then vote on whether to fund a second date.
One of Woolery’s standout moments was when he recounted a memorable couple on the show: a 91-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman, humorously describing her makeup as reminiscent of “a stolen Corvette” and the man’s old-age references to “wagon trains.”
Throughout his career, Woolery hosted several notable shows, including “Lingo,” “Greed,” and “The Chuck Woolery Show.” He attempted to revive “The Dating Game” from 1998 to 2000 and even appeared as himself in two episodes of “Melrose Place” in 1992. His brief venture into reality television, “Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned,” debuted in 2003 but received negative reviews.
While Woolery was synonymous with his role on game shows, his early career included a stint as a musician. Before finding fame on television, he served in the U.S. Navy and was a double bassist in a folk trio. He later formed the psychedelic rock duo The Avant-Garde, achieving a Top 40 hit with “Naturally Stoned.”
In the early 1990s, Woolery’s career took a turn towards podcasting. He partnered with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” in 2014, becoming known for his staunch support of Donald Trump and outspoken conservative views. His political commentary echoed sentiments that gained traction within conservative circles, including controversial remarks about civil rights and accusations against political opponents.
During the pandemic, he attracted significant attention after claiming that various figures, including healthcare professionals and politicians, were lying about COVID-19, allegedly to sway the economy and the electoral process. However, following his son’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis, Woolery softened his rhetoric, acknowledging the reality of the virus while expressing his concerns over how information was being presented.
Woolery is remembered not only for his contributions to television but also for his colorful life story and charismatic personality. He is survived by his wife, Kristen, and his three children—sons Michael and Sean, and daughter Melissa.
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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits.
