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Chuck Woolery, the game show host and original presenter of Wheel of Fortune, passed away on Saturday, November 23, at the age of 83. According to his close friend and podcast co-host Mark Young, Woolery reportedly faced breathing difficulties at his Texas home before his passing. Emergency services were called, but Woolery did not survive.
"It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away. Life will not be the same without him, RIP brother," Young wrote on X.
Chuck Woolery had six children from three of his four marriages. His first marriage to Margaret Hayes lasted from 1961 to 1971 and had three children: Cary, Katherine, and Chad. Tragically, Chad passed away in a motorcycle accident in 1986 at the age of 19.
His second marriage was to actress Jo Ann Pflug from 1972 to 1980, with whom he had one daughter, Melissa. During his third marriage to Teri Nelson, which lasted from 1985 to 2004, he had two sons, Michael and Sean. Woolery's fourth marriage to Kim Barnes, beginning in 2006, did not result in any children.
Chuck Woolery's legacy and career
Born on March 6, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Chuck Woolery began his career in entertainment as a musician, playing in folk and psychedelic-pop groups like The Bordermen and Avant-Garde. In 1968, he achieved a Billboard Top 40 hit with Naturally Stoned as part of Avant-Garde.
Woolery then transitioned into acting and eventually television hosting, landing his big break in 1975 as the original host of Wheel of Fortune on the recommendation of TV legend Merv Griffin. He hosted the show until 1981, leaving due to a salary dispute. Pat Sajak subsequently took over the role.
Woolery went on to host other popular shows, including Love Connection, Scrabble, Lingo, and a revival of The Dating Game. Most recently, he hosted 80s Quiz Show. Beyond television, he was known for his conservative political views and hosted a podcast, Blunt Force Truth, where he discussed various socio-political topics.
Throughout his life, Woolery was open about his family and often expressed pride in his children. His public statements highlighted his commitment to both his family and his faith.
Chuck Woolery has led a dynamic life beyond his game show career. Before gaining fame, he served in the U.S. Navy and later explored music, forming the folk trio The Bordermen and later The Avant-Garde, whose song Naturally Stoned hit #40 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also worked in various sales roles before entering the entertainment industry. Additionally, he dabbled in acting, with credits in films like Six Pack and TV shows such as New Zoo Revue.
Chuck Woolery's influence extended beyond his game show career. He remained a prominent public figure through his radio commentary show, Save Us Chuck Woolery, and his podcast. His outspoken political views made headlines, including a 2020 retweet by then-President Donald Trump regarding COVID-19 misinformation, which stirred controversy.
