Wink Martindale, the longtime game show host and radio personality, has died at the age of 91. Known for hosting Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit, and High Rollers, Martindale became a familiar face on American television for decades. Now, many want to learn about the circumstances surrounding the death of Wink Martindale.
Here’s what we know so far about Wink Martindale’s death.
Wink Martindale passes away at 91, claims report
Wink Martindale, longtime game show host and radio personality, died on Tuesday at the age of 91 in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his publicist Brian Mayes.
According to NBC News, Mayes said, “He was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago.” However, no cause of death has yet been disclosed.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he began his disc jockey career at 17. He later joined WHBQ Memphis, where he was present when DJ Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s debut single “That’s All Right.” Martindale phoned Presley’s mother and arranged Elvis’s first radio interview.
Martindale found early success with the 1959 spoken-word single “Deck of Cards.” The track peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart. He moved to Los Angeles that same year and worked at several major radio stations, including KHJ, KRLA, KFWB, and KMPC.
He later transitioned to television, hosting Mars Patrol and Teenage Dance Party in Memphis. In 1964, he landed his first game show, NBC’s What’s This Song? He went on to host Words and Music, Gambit, High Rollers, and his most successful show, Tic-Tac-Dough, which he led until 1985.
Martindale hosted or appeared on more than 20 game shows. He also produced Headline Chasers with Merv Griffin and King World. In 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Memphis honored him with a Beale Street Note in 2024.
He is survived by his wife Sandy, sister Geraldine, and daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura. His grandchildren and “honorary son” Eric also survive him.
