Chuck Woolery, the charismatic game show host who kicked off the long run of Wheel of Fortune before spending 11 years playing matchmaker on Love Connection, has died. He was 83. Woolery died Saturday at his Texas home outside Austin, his friend and podcast co-host Mark Young told The Hollywood Reporter. Young also posted about it on X .

The news of Chuck Woolery’s death has left fans mourning the loss of an iconic television personality. Known for hosting Wheel of Fortune and other beloved shows, Woolery passed away at the age of 83.

However, Pat Sajak was ultimately given the hosting role following Woolery's departure in 1981 over a contract dispute. Woolery later acknowledged that he would have been earning a higher salary if he hadn’t left the game show, as reported by Parade.

Woolery, who was the first host of 'Wheel of Fortune,' died at the age of 83. Learn more about the late game show host and his successful career.

Chuck Woolery, the game show veteran who was the original host of "Wheel of Fortune" and went on to host "Love Connection," has died at 83.

The sad news was confirmed by Mark Young, a close friend of Woolery's who hosted the podcast Blunt Force Truth with him. He told the Associated Press that Woolery passed away at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, by his side, saying, "Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him."