Wink Martindale, Iconic Game Show Host and Elvis Interviewer, Dies at 91
Hey everyone, I wanted to take a moment to talk about someone who brought a lot of joy to our television screens over the years—Wink Martindale. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 91 after a year-long battle with lymphoma. A true legend in the world of game shows and broadcasting, Wink wasn’t just a familiar face for decades—he was a pioneer who left a lasting mark on both television and radio.
Wink Martindale was best known for hosting classic game shows like Gambit and Tic-Tac-Dough , but his career was so much more than that. Back in the 1950s, he was actually one of the first people to interview a young Elvis Presley on television. Can you imagine? Before the world truly knew Elvis, Wink had him on his show, and that tells you just how ahead of his time he was.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink’s journey into broadcasting started early. At just 17, he was already a disc jockey earning $25 a week. He had this smooth voice and natural charisma that made him a perfect fit for radio—and later, for TV. His radio experience helped him ad-lib and think on his feet, which is such a big part of hosting live shows. It’s no wonder he went on to host nearly two dozen different game shows throughout his career.
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Gambit premiered in 1972, the same day as The Price Is Right and The Joker’s Wild , and it quickly became a hit. He always believed in the "KISS" principle—Keep It Simple, Stupid—and it worked. When Gambit eventually got edged out by Wheel of Fortune , Wink bounced right back with Tic-Tac-Dough in 1978, leading it to huge success and overseeing one of the most iconic winning streaks in game show history.
Wink wasn’t just a host—he was also a creator. He started his own production company, launched multiple shows, and even had a hit spoken-word single with "Deck of Cards" that reached the Top 10 on Billboard back in 1959. This guy even shared the stage with Rob Lowe in a KFC ad campaign not too long ago. He really stayed connected to the industry right until the end.
Beyond the spotlight, Wink was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Sandy, whom he was married to for 49 years, and his children from a previous marriage. He lived a full, inspiring life—and honestly, we don't see many broadcasters with that kind of range and staying power anymore.
Wink Martindale wasn’t just a host; he was a part of our living rooms, our memories, and pop culture history. Rest in peace to a true television icon. You’ll be missed, Wink.
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