Wink Martindale, a radio and television performer known for hosting classic game programs such as “Tic-Tac-Dough” and “Gambit,” has died.
Something about his charisma
Wink Martindale was more than simply a recognizable face on television; he was a voice of comfort, excitement, and delight for countless American children growing up.
People still remember how exciting it was to watch Tic-Tac-Dough, how much fun Headline Chasers was, and how fast High Rollers moved. Gambit, however, had a unique impact. Gambit was the show that truly resonated with audiences. Wink’s charm and ability to enliven the game made it feel personal, as if he was inviting you into something special.
Winston Conrad Martindale was born December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee. He began his career in broadcasting at the age of 17, working as a disc jockey for WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week.
In 2014, he told ABC News about how he earned his famous nickname: “When I was a kid in Jackson, Tenn., one of my playmates, Jimmy McCord, couldn’t say ‘Winston,’ which is my given name, and he had a speech impediment, so it came out sounding like ‘Winky.'” So Winston became Winky, and then I went into business with Wink!”
Martindale’s early career involved more than just spinning music. He made his television debut by anchoring Mars Patrol, a sci-fi-themed children’s show on WHBQ-TV. But it was evident from the start: Wink was created for show business, whether behind the microphone or in front of the camera.
His first big break came in 1972, when he was hired to host Gambit, a brand-new game show on CBS. The program was a success, and Martindale served as emcee for four years.
Before becoming a game show superstar, Wink found himself in rock ‘n’ roll history, which began with his close buddy Elvis Presley.
It was the evening of July 10, 1954, and Martindale was showing some guests about the WHBQ radio station in Memphis. That’s when he noticed something unusual: phone lines were going nuts during his colleague Dewey Phillips’ 9 p.m. broadcast. What was the reason? Elvis Presley’s first single, “That’s All Right,” was making waves.
Producer Sam Phillips (no relation to Dewey) produced the song just five days previously at Sun Studio. Sam had brought the album to WHBQ on July 6, and by July 10, it was making a big impression on listeners. Dewey wanted to interview Elvis on television immediately, but there was one problem: no one could find him.
So Wink contacted the Presleys. Gladys, Elvis’ mother, responded and revealed that her son was so concerned about how the song would be received that he went to the movies to relax. Wink pushed her to bring him down to the studio, which she did.
Elvis arrived with his parents, and Dewey conducted an interview. What is the best part? Elvis had no idea he was live on air. Wink subsequently recalled Elvis admitting that he probably couldn’t have spoken if he had known, given how shy he was at the time.
This was more than simply a footnote in music history; it was the event that propelled Elvis Presley to stardom. And Wink Martindale was right there to see it.
What impressed Wink Martindale most about his lifelong buddy Elvis Presley was not his stardom or singing, but his charity.
“The thing that surprised him the most about Presley was that he was a giver,” Martindale once observed.
“Hardly any people knew that he gave away literally millions and millions of dollars to charitable organizations not only in this country but all over the world,” he told me.
Sandra, Wink’s wife, had dated Elvis Presley on and off until marrying Martindale in 1975, right before his marriage to Priscilla in 1967.
However, Sandra unexpectedly thanked the King for leading her to the love of her life.
“Elvis is responsible for me marrying Wink,” she stated in a 2015 interview, as cited by The Hollywood Reporter.
“When [Martindale] mentioned that he was from Tennessee, I thought, ‘He must be a wonderful man,’ since I adored that place. I adored all of the men. I liked everything about Tennessee because Elvis was such an important part of my life.
Wink remained involved in the entertainment industry long into his older years. One of his final endeavors was anchoring the nationally and globally syndicated radio show The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This two-hour weekend program reflected on music from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. At the time, Martindale was 88 years old.
Unfortunately, Wink Martindale’s extraordinary life ended on April 15, 2025. At 91 years old, he died of cancer in a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Martindale died surrounded by family, including his loving wife Sandra, leaving him an extraordinary 74-year Hollywood history.
He is survived by his daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura; grandkids and great-grandchildren; “honorary” son Eric; and his beloved Chihuahua, Dude.
Wink Martindale’s legacy as a game show host is defined not just by the games he hosted, but also by the memories he made and the joy he brought into so many people’s lives.
He was more than a presenter; he was a buddy, a continuous presence who made you feel like a part of the show. Even if the series has ended, Wink’s legacy in television will live on in our hearts. RIP!