Legendary game show host dies suddenly aged 83 as heartbroken friend pays tribute

Chuck Woolery has died aged 83 (Image: Getty)

Chuck Woolery has died at the age of 83, his longtime friend confirmed.

The television personality, best known for being the original presenter of Wheel of Fortune, died suddenly while his close friend Mark Young visited his home in Texas.

Paying an emotional tribute to the legendary game show host, Young penned: "It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother has just passed away. Life will not be the same without him, RIP brother."

While the circumstances around Woolery's death are yet to be disclosed, Young told TMZ that Woolery was not feeling well and went to lie down.

Young, who co-hosted the Blunt Force Truth podcast with the actor, said Woolery was having issues with breathing when he later returned to the room.

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Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune (Image: Getty)

Young told the outlet that he called 911, but sadly, his friend passed away.

Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune, presenting the game show from 1975 to 1981. This role earned him a Daytime Emmy in 1978.

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He quit the iconic game show after more than six years to pursue other work, with Pat Sajak taking over until 2024.

In 1983, he began hosting dating game show Love Connection, fronting more than 2,000 episodes from 1983 to 1994.

He went on to present other shows such as Scrabble, Greed and Lingo.

The late star also made several appearances as himself on screen, including the 2018 movie Cold Feet and sitcoms 227 and Scrubs.

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Tributes have begun flooding in for Woolery, with one writing: "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 penned: "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."

Also responding to Young's X post, a third added: "I’m so sorry for your loss. Chuck Woolery was a great man! Rest in peace and power Chuck."

Another shared: "One of my childhood tv hosts has passed away...RIP Chuck Woolery, I still remember watching the dating game, then the newlywed game afterwards. Thanks for the memories."



Legendary game show host dies suddenly aged 83 as heartbroken friend pays tribute

Legendary game show host dies suddenly aged 83 as heartbroken friend pays tribute

Legendary game show host dies suddenly aged 83 as heartbroken friend pays tribute

Legendary game show host dies suddenly aged 83 as heartbroken friend pays tribute
Legendary game show host dies suddenly aged 83 as heartbroken friend pays tribute
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