AceShowbiz - Chuck Woolery, the affable and smooth-talking game show host who became a household name with shows like "Wheel of Fortune" and "Love Connection," has passed away at the age of 83. Woolery's death at his Texas home was confirmed by his friend and podcast co-host Mark Young.

Known for his wit, charm, and iconic TV moments, Woolery had career spanning decades and touching multiple facets of entertainment and media.

Before becoming a game show icon, Woolery started his career as a singer in the orchestral pop band The Avant-Garde. Their song, "Naturally Stoned," hit No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968. This early success in music set the stage for his transition to television.

Woolery beat out Edd "Kookie" Byrnes for the hosting gig of a new game show that Merv Griffin was developing. This show, which was initially called "Shopper's Bazaar," would be renamed to the legendary "Wheel of Fortune" and premiered on January 6, 1975.

Woolery's tenure on "Wheel of Fortune" came to an end in 1981 due to a salary dispute. He requested a significant raise from his $65,000 salary to align with what other top game show hosts were making. Although an offer was made, disagreements ensued, and Merv Griffin decided to replace Woolery with Pat Sajak. Despite this setback, Woolery's career was far from over.

In 1983, Woolery began hosting "Love Connection," a dating show that aired for 11 years and became a massive hit. The show's format involved a participant choosing a date from three potential mates' audition tapes and later discussing the date in front of a studio audience.

Woolery's phrase, "We'll be back in two minutes and two seconds," became his signature tagline. His hosting duties didn't end there; he would go on to host "Scrabble," "Lingo," "Greed," and even his own talk show, "The Chuck Woolery Show."

Beyond his game show legacy, Woolery ventured into conservative punditry with the podcast "Blunt Force Truth." In his later years, he was known for his strong political opinions, often stirring controversy, especially regarding COVID-19 and other social issues.

Despite the divergent turns his career took, Woolery's early contributions to television and his iconic game show hosting will remain memorable for generations.

Woolery was married four times and had or raised eight children. His career accolades include an induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. Woolery's legacy is a testament to an era of television that valued charm, wit, and a friendly face to keep audiences entertained.

As fans remember Chuck Woolery, they celebrate the man who brought joy to countless living rooms with his warm presence and unforgettable catchphrases. His impact on game shows and beyond will be felt for many years to come.