Wink Martindale, Iconic Game Show Host, Passes Away at 91
Wink Martindale, a beloved figure in the realm of television and game shows, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for his warm personality and engaging hosting style, Martindale was the face behind popular game shows such as Gambit and Tic-Tac-Dough. His publicist, Brian Mayes, confirmed that Martindale died on Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, after a year-long battle with lymphoma.
A Career Milestone: The Birth of Gambit
Martindale’s career took a major turn when Gambit premiered on September 1972, coinciding with the debut of two other significant shows, The Price is Right and The Joker’s Wild. Reflecting on its success, he noted in his memoir, Winking at Life, “From the day it hit the air, Gambit spelled winner.” His motto, “KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid,” underscored the show’s straightforward yet captivating gameplay.
Despite its initial triumph, Gambit was eventually overshadowed by the rise of Wheel of Fortune, which made its debut in 1975. By 1976, Gambit ceased airing, while Wheel of Fortune grew to become a television staple.
Success with Tic-Tac-Dough
Martindale’s career re-invigorated in 1978 as he took on the role of host for Tic-Tac-Dough, a classic game that continued until 1985. It was during this time he witnessed a remarkable winning streak from contestant Thom McKee, who accrued over $300,000 in prizes during his 88-game run—a record at that time.
Martindale cherished these moments, stating, “I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience, and to a degree, watching lives change.” He attributed much of his game show hosting skill to his days as a radio DJ, emphasizing the importance of quick thinking and adaptability on air.
A Lifelong Connection to Radio and Music
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he was enchanted by the world of radio from an early age. His career began at age 17 as a disc jockey, earning $25 a week at WPLI before continuing to other stations, including WHBQ in Memphis, where he had historical ties to Elvis Presley. Martindale played an integral role in early television history when he conducted one of Elvis’s first televised interviews.
In addition to his hosting roles, Martindale made a significant mark in music, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1959 with a spoken-word rendition of “Deck of Cards.” This experience harnessed his skills for captivating audiences across various platforms.
Legacy and Surviving Family
Over the course of his career, Martindale hosted nearly two dozen game shows, leaving a rich legacy in the television industry. His final works included hosting a Christmas music special in 2012 and a program about rock music history in 2021. He also recently appeared in a KFC advertisement alongside actor Rob Lowe in 2017.
Martindale is survived by his second wife, Sandy, with whom he spent 49 years, as well as his children Lisa, Madelyn, and Laura, along with numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. His family remembers him not only as a pioneer in entertainment but as a cherished family member whose warmth touched many lives.