Who Was Wink Martindale? The King of TV Game Shows Passes at 91
His death marks the end of an era in American television
Wink Martindale, the beloved game show host and early interviewer of Elvis Presley, has passed away at the age of 91. He died on April 15, 2025, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, after a year-long battle with lymphoma.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink began his career at the age of 17 as a radio disc jockey. He gained national recognition in the 1950s when he hosted Teenage Dance Party on WHBQ-TV in Memphis, where he conducted one of the first televised interviews with a young Elvis Presley.
Martindale’s television career flourished with his role as the host of several popular game shows, including ‘Gambit,’ ‘Tic-Tac-Dough,’ ‘High Rollers,’ and ‘Debt’. His engaging personality and smooth baritone voice made him a household name in American entertainment.
In addition to his television work, Martindale achieved success as a recording artist. His spoken-word single ‘Deck of Cards’ reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959.
According to LA Times, Martindale’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 and induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 .
A Legacy Remembered
Wink Martindale’s passing marks the end of an era in American television. His warm demeanor, quick wit, and genuine connection with contestants endeared him to audiences for over seven decades. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra; his daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura; his sister Geraldine; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Martindale’s legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire and entertain new generations.