• Faith: Christian
• Career: TV Personality
• Birthday:  March 16, 1941
• Date of Death:  November 23, 2024

Chuck Woolery was a versatile entertainer known for his work as a game show host, talk show host, actor, and musician. He enjoyed long-standing roles as the host of several iconic game shows, including the original daytime "Wheel of Fortune" (1975–1981), the first version of "Love Connection" (1983–1994), and "Scrabble* (1984–1990). Woolery also had a notable musical career, contributing to advertising jingles, achieving a Top 40 hit with the psychedelic pop duo The Avant-Garde, and releasing several country music tracks.

Growing up in a modest household, Woolery developed an early interest in music, often singing in local church choirs and school events. After completing high school, he attended the University of Kentucky in 1960 but left after two years to serve in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65).

Following his military service, Woolery returned to Kentucky and briefly resumed his studies at Morehead State University. However, his passion for music led him to Nashville, Tennessee, where he sought to establish a career in the music industry. In the early 1960s, he sang and played the double bass with a folk trio called The Bordermen. He later formed the psychedelic pop duo The Avant-Garde with Bubba Fowler. The duo achieved a Top 40 hit in 1968 with "Naturally Stoned," marking Woolery's entry into the national music scene.

As a solo artist, Woolery released several records with Columbia and RCA, including singles like "Forgive My Heart" and "Love Me, Love Me." Despite his efforts, these releases did not achieve significant commercial success, leading him to explore other avenues in entertainment.

Woolery's charismatic presence and smooth demeanor caught the attention of television producers. In the early 1970s, he appeared as Mr. Dingle on the children's television series "New Zoo Revue." His first game show appearance was on "Tattletales" in 1974, alongside his then-wife Jo Ann Pflug. In 1975, producer Merv Griffin selected Woolery to host a new game show called "Wheel of Fortune." Woolery hosted the show until 1981, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. His engaging hosting style and rapport with contestants contributed to the show's early success. However, a salary dispute led to his departure in 1981, and he was replaced by Pat Sajak.

After leaving "Wheel of Fortune," Woolery continued to make his mark on television. In 1983, he began hosting "Love Connection," a dating show that became a major success and ran until 1994. The show not only set people up on dates but also followed them during their night out and then questioned them afterward about how it went. This format was a precursor to the now-ubiquitous reality dating genre. During his time on "Love Connection," Woolery also hosted "Scrabble" from 1984 to 1990 and again in 1993. He later hosted "Greed" on Fox from 1999 to 2000 and "Lingo" on the Game Show Network from 2002 to 2007.

In his later years, Woolery became known for his conservative political views. He hosted a nationally syndicated radio commentary show, "Save Us, Chuck Woolery," from 2012 to 2014. This evolved into a long-format podcast titled "Blunt Force Truth," where he discussed political issues and current events.

Woolery passed away at his home in Texas, on November 23, 2024, at the age of 83. His death was confirmed by his friend and podcast co-host Mark Young.

Woolery was open about his Christian faith, which played a central role in his life. He often spoke about the importance of faith in his personal and professional life.

Chuck Woolery's Religious Beliefs

Woolery was a devout Christian who often volunteered in ministry. Woolery was open about his Christian faith, which played a central role in his life. He often spoke about the importance of faith in his personal and professional life. Upon his death in 2023, Mark Young, Woolery's friend and podcast host said Woolery was "a dear friend and brother in Christ, and life will not be the same without him.”