Iconic Game Show Host Wink Martindale Passes Away at 91

The renowned Wink Martindale, celebrated for his role as host of beloved game shows "Tic-Tac-Dough," "High Rollers," and "Gambit," has passed on, as shared on his official Facebook account. He was 91 years old.

A tribute on Facebook described Wink as "exceptionally talented and hilarious," acknowledging him as a genuine legend in his field.

Martindale, originally named Winston, enjoyed a prolific 74-year career, as noted by the Nashville Publicity Group. However, they did not disclose the cause of his passing.

In a heartfelt post, the Game Show Network expressed their condolences, highlighting his charismatic presence that captivated audiences of multiple generations, stating he would be eternally remembered.

From a young age, Martindale ventured into the entertainment world at 17, starting as a disc jockey in Jackson, Tennessee. His spoken-word rendition of "Deck Of Cards," according to his biography, gained significant popularity.

Martindale began his television journey as the host of "Mars Patrol," a children’s sci-fi series at WHBQ-TV, eventually earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.

During his WHBQ-TV tenure, he hosted "Teenage Dance Party," a show that once featured Elvis Presley. Notably, Elvis had previously dated Martindale's wife, Sandy.

In 1964, NBC welcomed Martindale as a host, where he later took part in programs like "Words and Music," "Can You Stop This," and "Headline Chasers," among others. According to his autobiography, he led over a dozen game shows throughout his career.

Starting in 1978, he hosted "Tic-Tac-Dough" on CBS until 1985. Following this, he helmed 185 episodes of "High Rollers" on NBC from 1987 to 1988. The popular "Gambit," a casino-themed show, was produced by Heatter-Quigley Productions.

In a 2018 reflection, Martindale recounted his competitive audition experience, notably triumphing over Dick Clark for a particular hosting opportunity.

Martindale expressed his passion for hosting through the joy of interacting with diverse contestants, stating he appreciated understanding what drove people’s success in game settings.

In his later years, Martindale was featured on shows like "Most Outrageous Game Show Moments," "The Chase," and "The Bold and the Beautiful." His presence was also seen in commercials for brands like Orbitz and KFC.

Martindale leaves behind his devoted wife, his daughters, and a sister.