Tributes have been paid to a legendary US game show host who has died aged 83. Chuck Woolery gained fame as host of popular TV shows. He was the original host of the US version of Wheel of Fortune from 1975 to 1981.
Woolery, who also had a music career and took some acting roles, went on to host Love Connection from 1983 to 1994 as well as the word-based game shows Scrabble and Lingo which each ran for more than five years.
The news of his death was confirmed on X by friend and co-host on the podcast “Blunt Force Truth”, Dr Mark Young. He said: “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.”
Mark told TMZ that he was at Chuck’s home in Texas when his friend said he wasn’t feeling well and went to lie down. He said a short time later, Chuck came back to the room saying he was having trouble breathing.
Despite calling the emergency services, Chuck didn’t make it, his friend added.
After Mark shared the news on social media, many fans paid tribute to Chuck and expressed their sadness. One wrote: “I’ve watched your brother my entire life, in different shows. He always presented himself as a genuinely good man. I’m so very sorry for you, losing your brother. You’ll see him again.”
Another said: “I’m so sorry, Chuck was always my favourite game show host. Prayers and condolences to you and your family.” A third fan added: “Condolences. Chuck was amazing. It’s difficult to even refer to him in the past tense. God bless you. I’m sure Chuck is watching at His side.”