What Happened To The Original Host Of Wheel Of Fortune? A Look Back At Chuck Woolery

Wheel of Fortune first aired in 1975 as a daytime show, hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford. Woolery left in 1981 after a contract dispute. The show’s creator, Merv Griffin, then turned to Pat Sajak, a local Los Angeles weatherman at the time, to take over as host.

The decision to replace Woolery with Sajak was a pivotal moment in the history of Wheel of Fortune. Sajak brought a fresh energy and a unique style to the show, and he quickly became a beloved figure to viewers. His quick wit and easygoing demeanor made him the perfect host for the game show, and he helped to elevate the show to new heights of popularity.

Woolery continued to have a successful career in television, hosting other popular shows like “Love Connection” and “The Dating Game.” He also made appearances on other shows like “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

It’s worth noting that Woolery’s departure from Wheel of Fortune wasn’t entirely acrimonious. In fact, he remained on friendly terms with Griffin and Sajak for many years. In interviews, he’s said that he simply felt it was time for him to move on to other opportunities, and he had no regrets about his decision.

As for Stafford, she stayed on as the show’s co-host until 1981. She left after the departure of Woolery to pursue other opportunities. She has also remained friendly with Sajak over the years. In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, Stafford said that she had great respect for Sajak and believed that he was the perfect choice to host the show.