Wink Martindale, the beloved king of television game shows, passed away Tuesday in Rancho Mirage at the age of 91. Martindale, who was surrounded by family, including his wife of 49 years, Sandra, at the time of his death, leaves behind a monumental 74-year career in Hollywood. Best known for hosting classics like Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit, and High Rollers, he became a household name and a staple in American living rooms. With his perfectly coiffed hair, warm smile, and undeniable charm, Wink guided generations through moments of joy, competition, and entertainment.
From Jackson to Hollywood: The Early Life of Wink
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink was one of five children. His father worked as a lumber inspector while his mother stayed home to raise the family. From a young age, Martindale was captivated by radio and dreamed of becoming a broadcaster. He would lock himself in his room and mimic radio ads, practicing the very skills that would launch his career.
After graduating high school in 1951, he hounded the manager of a local 250-watt radio station until he was offered a shot. At just 17, he secured his first job at WPLI earning $25 a week. That led to better radio gigs, including WHBQ in Memphis, where he hosted the hit morning show Clockwatchers while attending Memphis State University.
Television soon followed, with Wink hosting a children’s show called Wink Martindale of the Mars Patrol. He even interviewed a young Elvis Presley on live TV in 1956—an appearance that put him on the map. In 1975, Wink married Sandra, the love of his life. Together, they shared nearly five decades of love and laughter, weathering the ups and downs of Hollywood with grace.
The Game Show Titan: How Wink Ruled Daytime TV
Wink Martindale’s game show legacy is almost unparalleled. His breakthrough came in 1964 with What’s This Song?, although NBC temporarily changed his name to “Win Martindale” fearing “Wink” sounded too childish. As Wink jokingly noted, “They can call me anything… Winkie-dinkie-doo, the Winkmeister, the Winkman. I loved those checks!”
But it was Tic-Tac-Dough that truly immortalized him. Airing from 1978 to 1986, the show wasn’t just a twist on tic-tac-toe. Contestants answered trivia questions to win their X or O on a giant board. Its peak came with Navy pilot Lt. Thom McKee’s record 88-game run, earning $312,700 and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. “Our ratings were never as big until he came on,” Martindale recalled.
Other standout shows included Gambit (1972–76, 1980–81), High Rollers (1987–88), Debt (1996–98), and Headline Chasers. In total, Wink either hosted or produced 21 game shows—an incredible achievement in the entertainment industry.
The selection process for contestants often involved in-person auditions, where personality, wit, and a bit of luck played key roles. Many shows were syndicated and aired nationwide, capturing millions of viewers each week. The universal appeal? “People at home gravitate to games that they know,” Wink said. “They say, ‘I could play that game.’ And that’s how you capture them.”
Legacy of a Showbiz Giant Who Never Backed Down
Wink Martindale wasn’t just a host; he was a symbol of optimism, perseverance, and innovation in entertainment. From his early days in Tennessee to the heights of Hollywood fame, he never let go of his dreams. He even had a Billboard Top 10 hit in 1959 with his spoken-word song Deck of Cards, showing his versatility beyond television. 
He once quipped, “There have been a lot of bombs between the hits,” but that humility only added to his likability. Despite setbacks, he kept moving forward—a true lesson in resilience.
In an industry known for change, Martindale remained a constant. His legacy will continue to inspire future broadcasters, entertainers, and dreamers who understand the value of hard work, charm, and staying true to oneself. Rest in peace, Wink Martindale—you brought light to countless homes and hearts.
Related Links
👉 Farewell to Wink: Iconic TV Moments
👉 Wink’s Funniest Game Show Moments
👉 A Tribute to the Legend: Wink Martindale