Chuck Woolery Net Worth, Music, Acting and Hosting Career, Assets
Chuck Woolery is a prominent American game show host with an estimated net worth of $10 million. His career began as a folk-pop singer, and he first gained recognition on a 1974 episode of “Your Hit Parade.” This exposure led to his reputation as an exceptional master of ceremonies. It was at the urging of renowned TV host Merv Griffin that Woolery transitioned into hosting, becoming the original host of the iconic game show “Wheel of Fortune” from 1975 to 1981.
He later hosted several other popular shows, including “Love Connection” (1983–1994), “Scrabble” (1984–1990; revived in 1993), “The Dating Game” (1997–1999), “Greed” (1999–2000), and “Lingo” (2002–2007). Additionally, Woolery hosted “The Chuck Woolery Show” in 1991 and has been involved in radio and podcasting, including shows like “Save Us Chuck Woolery” (2012) and “Blunt Force Truth” (2014).
Early Life
Chuck Woolery was born Charles Herbert Woolery on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky. His mother, Katherine, was a homemaker, while his father, Dan, owned a fountain supply company and passed away in 1969. Chuck has an older sister named Sue. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Kentucky but left to join the Navy in 1960.
Following two years of service, he studied economics at Morehead State University, although he dropped out in 1967 to pursue a music career. Before his music career took off, Woolery worked as a sales representative for Pillsbury and as a consultant for Wasserstrom Wine in Columbus, Ohio.
Music Career
In the early 1960s, Woolery was part of the folk trio The Bordermen, where he provided vocals and played double bass. He later formed the psychedelic pop duo The Avant-Garde, which included Elkin “Bubba” Fowler. The duo signed with Columbia Records and achieved their only hit with “Naturally Stoned” in 1968. As a solo artist, Woolery released five records under Columbia before moving to RCA, where he produced singles such as “Forgive My Heart” and “Love Me, Love Me.”
After taking a break from music for acting, he returned to recording in the late 1970s with tracks on Epic Records and Warner Bros., including singles “Painted Lady” and “The Greatest Love Affair,” which reached #78 and #94 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Notably, he co-wrote “The Joys of Being a Woman,” featured on Tammy Wynette’s 1971 album.
Acting and Hosting Career
Woolery’s acting credits include roles in films such as “The Treasure of Jamaica Reef” (1975), “Six Pack” (1982), and “Cold Feet” (1989). He also appeared in TV series like “New Zoo Revue” (1972), “Love, American Style” (1973), “Romance Theatre” (1982), “227” (1989), and “Scrubs” (2004). His game show hosting career began in January 1975 with “Wheel of Fortune,” where he hosted over 160 episodes across six seasons.
In 1981, after a salary dispute led to NBC not renewing his contract, Woolery moved on to host “Love Connection,” where he became well-known for his catchphrase “back in two and two,” appearing in over 2,000 episodes during its run. In addition to “Love Connection,” he hosted “Scrabble,” “The Chuck Woolery Show,” and co-hosted “The Home and Family Show.”
From 1999 to 2000, he hosted “Greed,” followed by “Lingo,” which aired until 2007. Afterward, he hosted GSN’s “Think Like a Cat” in 2008 and participated in live events such as “The Price Is Right Live!“. His radio show “Save Us Chuck Woolery,” launched in 2012, focuses on political commentary alongside his podcast “Blunt Force Truth.”
Personal Life
Chuck Woolery’s personal life includes several marriages. He married Margaret Hayes in 1963; they had two children—Katherine and Chad—and adopted another son named Cary before divorcing. Tragically, Chad died in a motorcycle accident at age 19 in 1986. Woolery also had a daughter named Melissa with Jo Ann Pflug during their marriage from 1972 to 1980. He shares two sons—Sean and Michael—with Teri Nelson from their marriage from 1985 to 2004.
Since 2006, he has been married to Kim Barnes. Woolery is known for his conservative views and has been vocal about his support for Donald Trump, claiming it negatively impacted his career. In July 2020, he tweeted controversial statements regarding COVID-19 and its political implications shortly before revealing that his son had been diagnosed with the virus.
Assets
In 2006, Chuck Woolery filmed a commercial for a residential development in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, shortly before purchasing a lakefront home there. Previously, he owned a substantial home in Los Angeles measuring 5,595 square feet, which he sold for approximately $1.755 million in 2002. Through his diverse career as a game show host, musician, actor, and commentator, Chuck Woolery has established himself as a notable figure in American entertainment history.
