Television gameshow fans were devastated over the weekend to learn of the passing of one of the legends in the business.
According to the New York Post, Chuck Woolery, the visionary and original host of "Wheel of Fortune," died over the weekend. He was 83.
Reports indicated that he passed away after he experienced troubles with breathing at his Texas-based residence.
Woolery’s friend and podcast co-host Mark Young originally broke the tragic news to TMZ, the report added.
Young released a statement on his dear friend's passing, writing, "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."
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 pic.twitter.com/OVPgG195RX
— Dr. Mark Young (@MarkYoungTruth) November 24, 2024
Woolery was an interesting man, to say the least. Before his career in the game show business, he pursued several other interests after he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise.
He also attended Morehead State University to study economics and sociology, but eventually dropped out to pursue show business.
The Post noted:
A multi-talented man, Woolery started his entertainment career as a musician. He played in a folk band, The Bordermen, and the psychedelic-pop group Avant-Garde, before writing several commercial jingles, and even a handful of country music ballads.
With the Avant-Garde, Woolery scored a Billboard Top 40 song with “Naturally Stoned,” in 1968.
The talented musician would ultimately go on to record multiple records, including five more with Columbia and two with RCA.
Woolery finally broke into the Hollywood scene and picked up starring roles in several TV shows before his big break on the iconic "Wheel of Fortune" game show.
Social media users offered their condolences and praise for Woolery's storied career in the business.
"So sorry to hear. A legend grew up with his kind face and was so great to have him on our side. I’m glad he got to see our side win," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "My deepest condolences to you and his family. He will be truly missed. Such a bright light in a world of darkness."
