Chuck Woolery, the original host of “Wheel of Fortune” and a beloved figure in game show history, has died at the age of 83.
Woolery passed away on November 23 at his home in Texas, leaving behind a legacy spanning decades of television.
Chuck Woolery attends “The Evolution Of The Relationship Reality Show” on March 19, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Mark Young, Woolery’s longtime friend and podcast cohost, shared details about his final moments.
According to Young, Woolery was at home with his wife when he began feeling unwell and decided to lie down.
Concerned, his wife checked on him and found him struggling to breathe. Despite calling 911, Woolery could not be saved.
Chuck Woolery at the “Game Show Networks 2003 Winter TCA Tour” at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles, on January 8, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Young later paid tribute to his friend on X (formerly Twitter), posting photos of their time together and expressing his grief.
He described Woolery as a “dear brother” and said life wouldn’t be the same without him, adding, “RIP, brother.”
Joe Dan Gorman, a friend and colleague, shared an old clip of them working together and reflected on the profound impact Woolery had on his life.
In his post, Gorman noted that Woolery lived an “amazing, almost fairytale life” but remained grounded and devoted to his faith.
He called Woolery “one of eastern Kentucky’s finest products,” and added, “Thank you, Chuck. Chuck Woolery was my friend.”
In a separate post, Gorman shared the story of how Woolery first contacted him in 2013. He recalled being taken aback by Woolery’s unmistakable voice during the unexpected call.
Woolery had reached out to praise Gorman’s show, “Intellectual Froglegs,” which he regularly shared with others.
The two grew close over the years, exchanging stories and enjoying conversations.
