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Chuck Woolery, the iconic game show host who became a household name for his role as the original host of Wheel of Fortune, has passed away at the age of 83. His death was confirmed on November 23, 2024, by his longtime friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young, who shared the news on social media, expressing his deep sadness. Woolery’s final moments were spent at his Texas home, where he had started feeling unwell. Despite being transported to a medical facility, he tragically passed away before paramedics could arrive. The cause of death is still unknown, with no official report released yet.
Woolery’s career spanned decades, and while he is best known as the original host of Wheel of Fortune, a position he held from its debut in 1975 until 1981, his legacy stretches far beyond that. After a contract dispute led to his departure from the show, Woolery quickly bounced back by hosting several other successful game shows, including Love Connection, Scrabble, Lingo, Greed, and The Dating Game. His 11-year run on Love Connection earned him widespread fame, particularly for coining the catchphrase “We’ll be back in 2 and 2,” which referred to the duration of commercial breaks.
In addition to game shows, Woolery had a successful career in talk shows, acting, and even music. He hosted The Chuck Woolery Show, appeared in popular television series such as Melrose Place, Scrubs, and 227, and briefly dabbled in country music as part of the pop duo The Avant Garde. His contributions to television earned him a place in the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
More recently, Woolery became known for his political views, co-hosting the Blunt Force Truth podcast with Mark Young, where he shared his conservative perspectives.
Woolery is survived by his wife, Kim, and his four children: Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean. His unexpected death has left a void in the entertainment world, as he was a beloved figure with a remarkable career that spanned television, music, and beyond.
