Wink Martindale, a beloved game show host known for his work on “Tic-Tac-Dough,” “Gambit,” and “High Rollers,” passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday. The sad news was confirmed on his official Facebook page, where a heartfelt obituary was shared. The post described Martindale as amazing, funny, and talented, truly a legend in the entertainment industry.
Martindale’s career spanned an impressive 74 years, starting at the young age of 17 as a DJ in Memphis. One of his most memorable moments was when he played Elvis Presley’s debut record, “That’s All Right,” on the radio for the first time in 1954. This interaction with Presley’s mother is said to have played a crucial role in launching the iconic singer’s career.
Not only was Martindale a successful DJ, but he also released his own music. His spoken-word track “Deck of Cards” reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold over one million copies. In the early 60s, he made the move to Los Angeles, where he hosted shows on various radio stations, including KHJ, KRLA, KFBW, KGIL-AM, and KMPC.
In 1964, Martindale made his mark as a game show host with “What’s This Song?” He went on to host popular shows like “Gambit,” “Words and Music,” and “Tic-Tac-Dough.” Throughout his career, he also hosted “The Last Word,” “The Great Getaway Game,” “Trivial Pursuit,” “Headline Chasers,” and many more.
Wink Martindale’s contributions to the entertainment industry will always be remembered, and he will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike. His legacy as a game show host and DJ will continue to inspire future generations of entertainers.
