A TV icon and legendary game show host, Chuck Woolery, has died aged 83, leaving his close friends to share heartfelt memories. Best known for presenting hits like “Wheel of Fortune”, Woolery passed away on Saturday, as confirmed by his friend and podcast co-host Dr. Mark Young on X, the new face of Twitter.
Dr. Young posted a moving eulogy, stating: “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.”
Dr. Young recounted to TMZ the distressing moments at Woolery’s Texas home, where Chuck felt unwell and complained of breathing difficulties shortly before his death.
Woolery, who transitioned from singer to popular TV host, had also dipped his toes into acting with parts in “The Treasure of Jamaica Reef” and “Love, American Style.”
His departure from “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981 led to Pat Sajak stepping in. Pivoting to political commentary later in life, Woolery teamed up with Young in 2014 for the “Blunt Force Truth” podcast, vocally championed Donald Trump and stirred controversy with comments challenging the need for civil rights for minorities and an inflammatory tweet connecting Soviet Communists and Judaism, reports the Mirror.
The late TV host was known for his active online presence, often sharing articles from Conservative Brief. Chuck initially cast doubt on the seriousness of Covid-19, suggesting medical professionals and Democrats were exaggerating the virus’s threat to harm the economy and Trump’s re-election prospects.
However, his position shifted dramatically when he revealed that his own son had contracted the coronavirus, clarifying that he never considered the disease a “a hoax” or doubted its reality.
Chuck Woolery is survived by his wife Kim and children Katherine, Melissa, Michael, and Sean. Following Mark’s announcement of Chuck’s passing on social media, tributes poured in from fans.
One fan commented, “I’ve watched your brother my entire life, in different shows. He always presented himself as a genuinely good man. I’m so very sorry for you, losing your brother. You’ll see him again.”
Another shared, “I’m so sorry, Chuck was always my favorite game show host. Prayers and condolences to you and your family.”
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A third expressed, “Condolences. Chuck was amazing. It’s difficult to even refer to him in the past tense. God bless you. I’m sure Chuck is watching at His side.”
A further message read: “Oh no! I’m so sorry! He will be missed. Such a wise and kind man. Praying for you and family and friends to have peace in your time of loss. RIP Chuck Woolery, legend! Earth’s loss, Heaven’s gain.”
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