Wink Martindale hosts Debt with flair, challenging contestants in the ultimate trivia showdown, 1997. (AP Photo)
Wink Martindale, a legendary face in American television, passed away at 91. The game show icon died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California. His publicist, Brian Mayes, confirmed Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year.
Early Radio Days Shaped His Career
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink was drawn to broadcasting from a young age. At just 6, he read out ads from Life magazine aloud. His professional journey began at 17 as a radio DJ at WPLI, earning $25 a week.
Martindale’s smooth voice and quick wit opened doors. After stints at various stations, including WHBQ in Memphis, he eventually hosted mornings while attending college. He was in the studio in 1954 when Elvis Presley’s first single, That’s All Right, hit the airwaves.
A Memorable Meeting with Elvis Presley
In 1956, Martindale arranged one of Presley’s earliest TV interviews on his show Top Ten Dance Party. The two remained in occasional contact, and in 1959, Martindale conducted a long-distance phone interview with Presley, who was serving in Germany.
Martindale’s connection to Elvis remained strong over the years. His second wife, Sandy, even dated Presley briefly after meeting him on the set of G.I. Blues.
From Radio Star to Game Show Legend
Wink moved to Los Angeles in 1959 to host on KHJ. That same year, he scored a music hit with Deck of Cards, a spoken-word single that peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Television soon came calling. His first network gig was on NBC’s What’s This Song? in 1964. He later hosted several shows including Dream Girl ’67 and How’s Your Mother-in-Law?, the latter of which he humorously recalled as his worst show.
Gambit and Game Show Glory
In 1972, Gambit launched on CBS, debuting the same day as The Price is Right. The card-based game show became an instant hit. Martindale believed its simplicity was key to success. "KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid," he wrote in his memoir.
Despite high ratings, Gambit was replaced by Wheel of Fortune in 1976. But Martindale rebounded in 1978 with Tic-Tac-Dough, which ran until 1985. The show featured record-breaking contestant Thom McKee, who won over $300,000 in cash and prizes.
A Lifelong Love for Hosting
Martindale estimated he hosted nearly two dozen game shows. He loved the thrill of live TV and connecting with contestants. His years in radio, filled with unscripted moments, sharpened his quick-thinking skills.
He later formed Wink Martindale Enterprises to develop new shows. Though some ventures like Headline Chasers had brief runs, others like Bumper Stumpers found lasting success.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Martindale never strayed far from entertainment. He hosted Debt on Lifetime from 1996 to 1998 and returned in 2012 with a syndicated radio countdown, The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time. In 2021, he hosted The History of Rock 'n' Roll.
In 2017, he charmed a new generation through a KFC ad campaign with Rob Lowe.
Remembering Wink
Martindale is survived by his wife Sandy, three daughters—Lisa, Madelyn, and Laura—and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Wink Jr., from his first marriage.
Wink Martindale leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable game show moments.
