Legendary American game host Chuck Woolery has died at the age of 83, his friend and podcast co-host Dr. Mark Young confirmed in a statement shared on social media

A legendary game host has died at the age of 83, with his long-time friend revealing some intimate details about his passing.

Chuck Woolery, known for hosting the “Wheel of Fortune” and other popular shows over the years, passed away on Saturday. The sad news was confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter, by his friend and co-host on the podcast “Blunt Force Truth”, Dr. Mark Young.

He shared a tribute saying: “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.”

Chuck Woolery has died at the age of 83 ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)
Mark told TMZ that he was at Chuck’s home in Texas when his friend said he wasn’t feeling well and went to lie down. He said a short time later, Chuck came back to the room saying he was having trouble breathing.

Despite calling the emergency services, Chuck didn’t make it, his friend added. Chuck began his career as a singer before hosting popular shows including Wheel of Fortune, Love Connection, Scrabble and Lingo. He also worked as an actor and appeared in The Treasure of Jamaica Reef and Love, American Style.

The TV host passed away at his home in Texas ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
In 1981, Chuck left Wheel of Fortune and Pat Sajak took over the job. He teamed up with Mark in 2014 for their podcast and became a full supporter of Donald Trump, while arguing that minorities don’t need civil rights and causing a firestorm by tweeting an anti-Semitic comment linking Soviet Communists to Judaism.

He was active online and often retweeted articles from Conservative Brief. In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, Chuck initially accused medical professionals and Democrats of lying about the virus to try and hurt the economy and Trump’s chances to be re-elected to the White House.

The presenter began his career as a singer before hosting popular TV shows ( 
Image:
Getty)

He hosted Wheel of Fortune for six years, from 1975 to 1981 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Days later, he changed his stance as he announced that his son had contracted the virus. He also went on to say that he never called Covid “a hoax” or said it was not real. The TV host is survived by his wife Kim and his children, Katherine, Melissa, Michael and Sean.

After Mark shared the news on social media, many fans paid tribute to Chuck and expressed their sadness. One wrote: “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 said: “I’m so sorry, Chuck was always my favorite game show host. Prayers and condolences to you and your family.” A third fan added: “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.”

Someone else said: “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.”