Chuck Woolery, game show host known for 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Love Connection', dies at 83

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Chuck Woolery — the charismatic and quick-witted host who became a household name on shows like 'Wheel of Fortune', 'Love Connection', and 'Scrabble' — has died at the age of 83.

Known for his matinee idol charm and famous one-liners, Chuck raised eyebrows with his outspoken views as a right-wing podcaster in his later years — but he’ll always be remembered for his golden era of TV game shows.

Sudden farewell of gameshow legend Chuck Woolery

Mark Young, Chuck Woolery’s longtime friend and co-host on the 'Blunt Force Truth' podcast, broke the news on social media. “It is with a broken heart that I tell you my dear brother has just passed away,” Young posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Life will not be the same without him, RIP brother."

He added, "Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith. Life will not be the same without him,” per Associated Press.

While details about Chuck’s death are still emerging, Young told TMZ that Woolery wasn’t feeling great and had gone to lie down. A little while later, Chuck returned, saying he was having trouble breathing. That’s when Young called 911, but sadly, Chuck didn’t pull through. He died at his home in Texas with his wife Kristen by his side.

Woolery’s career kicked off with a bang when he became the first-ever host of 'Wheel of Fortune' in 1975. He held that gig for six years before moving on to other projects, leaving the hosting chair to Pat Sajak, who famously kept the wheel spinning until 2024.

Chuck didn’t stop there. In 1983, he charmed audiences as the host of 'Love Connection', where he introduced his iconic catchphrase: “We’ll be back in two and two.” The quirky “2 and 2” hand gesture became his signature move. The show was a cultural phenomenon as it brought dating drama to living rooms long before dating apps ruled the scene.

The concept? Singles would watch three video audition tapes, pick one potential date, and later spill all the juicy details about how it went—live in front of a studio audience. The audience even got to vote on whether the dater should go for a second date, which the show would pay for if there was a match.

Chuck’s favorite love story of all was a hilarious tale of a 91-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman he described as looking “like a stolen Corvette” thanks to her heavy eye makeup.

“She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette. He was so old he said, ‘I remember wagon trains.’ The poor guy. She took him on a balloon ride," he quipped, laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Chuck Woolery's other projects

From 1984 to 1990, Chuck Woolery also hosted 'Scrabble', pulling double duty on two game shows at once. He stayed sharp, funny, and effortlessly cool, cementing his legacy as one of the kings of daytime TV.

Woolery’s career wasn’t just limited to hosting. He tried his hand at music too, charting a Top 40 hit with his pop duo The Avant Garde. He also dabbled in acting, appearing as himself on Melrose Place and lending his voice to commercials by writing catchy jingles.

Other hosting gigs included 'Lingo', 'Greed', and 'The Chuck Woolery Show'. While some projects like a short-lived talk show in 1991 didn’t take off, Chuck always managed to stay in the game.

In his later years, Woolery shifted gears by becoming an outspoken conservative voice on his 'Blunt Force Truth' podcast. He didn’t hold back when it came to sharing his incendiary opinions, often railing against liberals and even accusing the government of lying about Covid-19.

Internet pays tribute to Chuck Woolery after his death

"Rest in peace… coolest game show host?  He was a good one!" one posted on X.

"So sad.  Everyone loved him including me," read a comment.

"'We’ll be back in 2 and 2' I’ll always remember Mr. Woolery saying that.  Rest in Peace, Sir," another offered.

"I'm so sorry. He will be remembered in more ways than one. He led a busy and fulfilling life and he will be back in 2 and 2. I had to squeeze that in. RIP Chuck," another commented.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.