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.

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.

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.

Legendary game show host Chuck Woolery, who was the first host of “Wheel of Fortune,” died Saturday. He was 83.

Game show host Chuck Woolery, the founder of "Wheel of Fortune" and later host of "The Dating Game," died Saturday at 83. Woolery died after experiencing breathing trouble at his home in Texas, friend and podcast cohost Mark Young said.

Chuck Woolery, the American game show, talk show host, actor, and musician has died aged 83. The news was confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter by his pal, Dr. Mark Young, with a tribute reading: "It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away.