Chuck Woolery, renowned for his role as the original host of "Wheel of Fortune," has died at the age of 83, marking a significant moment in television history. He passed due to breathing issues on Saturday in Texas.

Legendary television personality Chuck Woolery has passed away, leaving a profound legacy across various entertainment platforms, the New York Post reported.

Born on March 6, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery embarked on a diverse career that initially began far from the bright lights of television studios. His journey took him from the hallways of Morehead State University, where he dropped out, to the decks of the USS Enterprise as a member of the US Navy for two years.

From Musician to TV Icon

Following his naval service, Woolery's pursuit of an entertainment career led him to music. He played in bands such as The Bordermen and later Avant-Garde. With Avant-Garde, Woolery tasted musical success; their song "Naturally Stoned" climbed into the Billboard Top 40 in 1968.

Woolery's musical achievements included recording five albums with Columbia Records and two with RCA. However, his career trajectory took a significant turn when he began his television career by hosting "Wheel of Fortune" in 1975, a position he held until 1981.

This role on “Wheel of Fortune” would immortalize him as a household name in America, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the staples of American television.

Expanding His Television Career

After "Wheel of Fortune," Woolery did not fade from the television landscape. Instead, he hosted other popular shows including “Love Connection,” “Scrabble,” “Lingo,” “The Dating Game,” and “80s Quiz Show,” showcasing his charismatic and engaging presence.

His career in television made him a beloved figure among American audiences. Woolery also became a vocal supporter of conservative politics, often sharing his political views candidly, and becoming a respected figure amongst Republican circles.

He expressed his views through various media, including his radio show “Save Us Chuck Woolery” and the podcast “Blunt Force Truth,” discussing conservative ideologies extensively.

Controversy and Online Presence

Despite his beloved status, Woolery occasionally found himself in controversy due to his political expressions. He made headlines in 2020 after a retweet by former President Trump concerning a post on COVID-19 in which Woolery criticized several institutions and accused them of lying about the virus.

“The most outrageous lies are the ones about Covid 19. Everyone is lying,” Woolery stated in 2020, showing his deep mistrust of the prevailing public health narratives.

This incident highlighted his willingness to voice his views, regardless of potential backlash, reflecting his commitment to his beliefs.

Personal Life and Legacy

Woolery was married four times, fathering five children. Tragically, his son Chad died in a motorcycle accident in 1986, an event that deeply affected him. He is survived by his wife Kim and children Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean.

Friends, family, and fans mourn the loss of a versatile entertainer who was much more than just a game show host. His impact on television, music, and public discourse paints the portrait of a man who was passionate and steadfast in his pursuits.

Reflecting on Woolery's death, his brother Mark Young expressed his sorrow on X, quoting, “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.”