Winston Conrad "Wink" Martindale, a television personality known for hosting numerous popular game shows over a career spanning decades, died on April 16, 2025. He was 91 years old [1][2]. His death occurred at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, following a year-long illness with lymphoma [1][5]. Martindale's publicist, Brian Mayes, confirmed his passing, stating he was surrounded by his family [1][4].
Early Life and Broadcast Beginnings
Born in Jackson, Tennessee, on December 4, 1933, Martindale began his broadcasting career at a young age [5]. At 17, he started working as a disc jockey at radio station WPLI in Jackson, earning $25 per week [1][2]. He later moved to WHBQ radio in Memphis, where he became a popular figure [5].
In 1959, Martindale achieved musical success with a spoken-word recording titled "Deck of Cards" [2]. The piece tells the story of a soldier explaining how a standard deck of playing cards serves as his Bible and prayer book [1]. The recording became a significant hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over a million copies [2][5]. This success helped establish Martindale's national profile beyond regional radio [1].
Transition to Television and Elvis Presley Interview
Martindale transitioned from radio to television in Memphis, hosting a show called Top Ten Dance Party for WHBQ-TV [1][4]. During this period, in 1956, he conducted one of the earliest known television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, who was also beginning his ascent to stardom [1][5]. Martindale had previously been present in the radio studio when Presley's first record, "That's All Right," was played on air [1]. This early association with Presley remained a notable part of Martindale's career history [4].
Prominent Game Show Host
Martindale became most widely recognized for his work as a game show host. His affable personality and smooth delivery made him a staple of daytime television for many years [1][5]. His hosting credits span numerous programs, including:
- Tic-Tac-Dough: Martindale hosted the syndicated revival of this classic quiz show from 1978 to 1985 [5]. The show involved contestants answering questions to place X's or O's on a tic-tac-toe board [1].
- Gambit: He hosted this card-based game show for CBS from 1972 to 1976 and later a Las Vegas-based revival from 1980 to 1981 [1][4]. The show involved couples trying to reach 21, similar to blackjack, by answering questions [5]. Gambit initially competed successfully against The Price is Right before its ratings declined [1].
- High Rollers: Martindale hosted a version of this dice-based game show from 1987 to 1988 [1].
Other game shows hosted by Martindale during his extensive career included How's Your Mother-in-Law?, Debt, The Last Word, and Trivial Pursuit [1][5]. His career in television spanned over 70 years in various capacities [2].
Production Ventures and Later Career
In addition to hosting, Martindale ventured into television production. He founded Wink Martindale Enterprises, which produced several programs [1][4]. Notable productions include the game shows Bumper Stumpers, which aired from 1987 to 1990, and Debt, which Martindale also hosted from 1996 to 1998 [1][4]. Debt featured contestants competing to pay off their real-life debts [5].
Martindale maintained a connection to radio throughout his life. In 2012, he launched a syndicated radio program titled The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time [1][4]. He followed this in 2021 with another syndicated show, The History of Rock 'n' Roll [1][4]. He also maintained a presence online through his YouTube channel, featuring archival footage and interviews [5].
Awards and Recognition
Martindale's contributions to entertainment earned him several accolades. In 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television [5]. He was also inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame [5].
Personal Life
Wink Martindale was married to Sandy Ferra for 49 years [1][4]. He is survived by his wife; his daughters Lisa, Madelyn, and Laura; and several grandchildren [1][4]. He was predeceased by his son, Winston Conrad "Wink" Martindale Jr. [1][4]. Martindale's long career left a significant mark on American radio and television, particularly in the genre of game shows [2][5].