Legendary game show host and radio personality, Wink Martindale, has passed away at 91 years old. Recognized for hosting shows like Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit, and High Rollers, Martindale was a beloved figure on American television for many decades. With his passing, people are curious to know more about the details surrounding Wink Martindale’s demise.
Here’s what we know so far about Wink Martindale’s death.
Wink Martindale passes away at 91, claims report
Wink Martindale, a well-known game show host and radio figure, passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday. This information was shared by his publicist Brian Mayes, who stated that it happened in Rancho Mirage, California.
As reported by NBC News, Mayes stated that the individual had been in good health until about two weeks prior, but the reason for his demise remains undisclosed at this time.
Winston Conrad Martindale was born on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee. At the age of 17, he embarked on his career as a disc jockey. Later, he worked at WHBQ Memphis and was present when DJ Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s first single “That’s All Right.” Martindale made arrangements for Elvis’s first radio interview by phoning Presley’s mother.
As a devoted admirer looking back, I can’t help but reminisce about Martindale’s meteoric rise to fame. It all started with the 1959 spoken-word hit single “Deck of Cards” that captivated audiences worldwide. This masterpiece climbed up the Billboard Hot 100 to reach the coveted No. 7 spot, and in the UK, it soared even higher, reaching No. 5 on their Singles Chart. In a whirlwind of excitement, he packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles that very same year. There, he graced the airwaves at some of the city’s most prestigious radio stations, including KHJ, KRLA, KFWB, and KMPC.
Afterwards, he shifted to television work, taking up hosting roles for Mars Patrol and Teenage Dance Party in Memphis. In the year 1964, he made his debut as a game show host on NBC’s What’s This Song? He continued with shows like Words and Music, Gambit, High Rollers, eventually leading to his most popular program, Tic-Tac-Dough, where he remained the host until 1985.
Martindale made numerous appearances on over twenty game shows, and also co-created Headline Chasers alongside Merv Griffin and King World. In the year 2006, he was bestowed with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recognition of his achievements, Memphis awarded him a Beale Street Note in the year 2024.
Apart from his wife, Sandy, sister, Geraldine, and daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura, he is also survived by his grandchildren as well as an “adopted son,” Eric.
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2025-04-16 08:40