Wink Martindale, famous Game Show Host dies at the age of 91
Famous Game Show host and Radio legend of decades, Wink Martindale has sadly passed away leaving fans and TV audiences a great legacy. A beloved host whose name has become synonymous with the profession has been a known face hosting game shows on NBC and CBS for decades. While no particular cause of death is revealed, an associate representing the Martindale family reported that “ (Martindale was) surrounded by family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale” Deadline reports.
Wink Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough” who also did one of the first recorded television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91.
— ABC News (@ABC) April 16, 2025
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Winston Conrad ‘Wink’ Martindale is a known TV personality and Radio host, who was born 4 December 1933 in Jackson, Tennessee. He began his career as a Radio Jockey at the age of 17 at Memphis’ WHBQ. His early association with Rock and Roll singer Elvis Presley and his own talent took him places he had never imagined.
Wink Martindale clearly had a path set out in TV as he had a big breakthrough from hosting a Memphis based kids science show, ‘Mars Patrol’ and ‘Teenage Dance Party’. It was in 1964 when NBC pulled the handsome Martindale started off with the ‘What’s This Song’ and his niche as an interactive game show host, further went on to become people’s favorite host. As a musical game show host, Martindale went on to host CBS'”Gambit” and “Tic Tac Dough’.
The entire Game Show Network family mourns the loss of Wink Martindale, the host of the original "Tic-Tac-Dough" and a true legend of television game shows. His charm and presence lit up the screen for generations of viewers and he will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/DNqLToCv5r
— Game Show Network (@GameShowNetwork) April 15, 2025
Wink Martindale had other long running TV show appearances like in the ‘Robert Stern Show’, ‘The Tonight Show’. Martindale has passed away with a great legacy as a TV and Radio icon. He is left behind by his family – wife Sandra Martindale, Wink Martindale Jr, Laura Martindale, Lisa Martindale and Lynn Martindal
