Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of Love Connection and Scrabble, dead at 83
Chuck Woolery, the charismatic game show host known for his work on Wheel of Fortune, Love Connection, and Scrabble, has passed away at the age of 83. His longtime friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young, confirmed the news, stating that Woolery died at his Texas home with his wife, Kristen, by his side.
Woolery rose to fame in the world of television game shows, earning accolades such as an induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame and a daytime Emmy nomination. His smooth-talking charm and quick wit made him a beloved figure on shows like Love Connection, where he famously coined the phrase “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds.”
Throughout his career, Woolery hosted a variety of game shows, including Lingo, Greed, and The Chuck Woolery Show. He also made appearances on popular TV series like Melrose Place and hosted the short-lived revival of The Dating Game in the late 1990s.
Before his television career took off, Woolery had a brief stint in the music industry, performing with the psychedelic rock duo the Avant-Garde and releasing solo singles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He later transitioned to country music, writing songs for artists like Tammy Wynette.
In his later years, Woolery became known for his outspoken conservative views, using his platform as a podcaster to espouse his beliefs on gun rights, politics, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew controversy for his initial skepticism of the virus and accusations of government deception, only to later change his tune after his son contracted COVID-19.
Despite his polarizing views, Woolery remained a prominent figure in the world of entertainment and politics, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the game show industry. He is survived by his wife, Kristen, and his children, Michael, Sean, and Melissa.
The passing of Chuck Woolery marks the end of an era in television history, leaving fans and colleagues alike mourning the loss of a true icon. His impact on the game show genre and his larger-than-life personality will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
