Beloved Game Show Host Wink Martindale Passes Away at 91
Wink Martindale, the iconic game show host recognized for his engaging presence on shows such as Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers, and Gambit, has died at the age of 91, as confirmed by his official Facebook page.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Born Winston Martindale, the television personality had a remarkable career that lasted 74 years. His death was corroborated by the Nashville Publicity Group, although a cause was not disclosed.
A post on Facebook commemorated him, stating, “Wink was amazing, funny and talented. Truly a LEGEND!”
Legacy in Game Shows
The Game Show Network expressed their sorrow, stating, “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.”
Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Martindale’s journey in the entertainment industry began at just 17 years old when he worked as a disc jockey. His unique rendition of the spoken-word song “Deck of Cards” even made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His television career began with WHBQ-TV, where he hosted the children’s program Mars Patrol before moving on to Teenage Dance Party. During this time, he had the opportunity to host Elvis Presley, who had a close relationship with Martindale’s family.
Diverse Hosting Roles
Martindale became widely recognized after hosting several game shows, including NBC’s What’s This Song in 1964. His extensive experience included hosting more than a dozen game shows, with his standout roles in Tic-Tac-Dough (1978-1985) and High Rollers (1987-1988).
Reflecting on his career during an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Martindale recounted, “I remember that they auditioned practically every possible host. It came down to Dick Clark and me, and this is one time I beat Dick Clark.”
A Passion for Connecting with People
Martindale cherished the opportunity to interact with contestants and learned what motivated them. “I enjoy finding out what makes people tick,” he said. “As you play a game, you see why one person is more successful than another. But I just love working with people, and I love talking.”
Recent Appearances and Farewell
In later years, Martindale continued to engage with audiences through appearances on shows like Most Outrageous Game Show Moments, The Chase, and The Bold and the Beautiful, as well as commercials for brands such as Orbitz and KFC.
He is survived by his wife, daughters, and sister, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.