However, the hosting gig was eventually given to Pat Sajak after Woolery's departure in 1981. But why did Woolery leave one of the most popular and long-running gameshows of all time? Due to a contract dispute, Woolery was replaced by Sajak, who hosted WoF ...

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.

Chuck Woolery, by any measure one of the most successful game show hosts in history, passed away this weekend. The 83-year-old star is probably best remembered as the first host of Wheel Of Fortune, though he also guided a ton of other shows to sustained success including Love Connection and Scrabble, both of which ran for around a decade.

Chuck Woolery, the iconic game show host who rose to fame as the first host of Wheel of Fortune and later became the face of the beloved dating show Love Connection, has passed away at the age of 83.

The hit dating show, which helped revive Woolery's career, was one of the most popular game shows of the 1980s and '90s.

The former TV personality and conservative commentator hosted "Wheel" for several years prior to Pat Sajak's decades-long run.

Chuck Woolery’s legacy spans game shows, music, and controversial commentary, showcasing resilience, adaptability as keys to lasting influence and leadership success.