The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a television legend. Wink Martindale, dead at 91, passed away on April 15, 2025, in Rancho Mirage, California. Known for his booming voice and signature charm, Martindale hosted beloved game shows like Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit, and High Rollers. Surrounded by family, including his wife Sandra, Wink Martindale died following a year-long battle with lymphoma. His passing marks the end of a 74-year career that changed the face of game shows and helped launch the career of Elvis Presley.
Wink Martindale From Memphis DJ to Elvis’s First Break
Born Winston Conrad Martindale in 1933 in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink began his career as a disc jockey at just 17. By the 1950s, he was working at WHBQ in Memphis, where radio history was made in July 1954 with the debut of Elvis Presley’s first single, “That’s All Right.” Martindale played a crucial role, helping to arrange Elvis’s first radio interview—a moment that triggered “Presley mania” and a lifelong connection between the two.
Their friendship grew over the years. In 1956, Martindale welcomed Elvis on his Memphis TV show, Teenage Dance Party, a free appearance that ruffled feathers with Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. In 1959, Martindale even interviewed Elvis while he was stationed in Germany. Years later, Martindale’s wife Sandra revealed her own Elvis connection: she once dated the King and credited him with bringing her and Wink together.http://walkoffame.com/nominationfaqs/
Wink Martindale’s The King of Game Shows
After moving to Los Angeles in 1959, Martindale transitioned from radio to TV stardom. He hosted more than 20 game shows over the decades, from Gambit and Tic-Tac-Dough to Debt, which became Lifetime’s top-rated quiz show. His blend of warmth, humor, and professionalism earned him a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2006.
Behind the scenes, Wink was just as influential. Through his own production company, he developed and produced several shows. Even late into his career, he remained active—hosting Instant Recall in 2010 and The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll radio special in 2021.
A Personal Legacy
Though Wink Martindale is dead, his impact is far from gone. He is survived by his wife Sandra, his sister Geraldine, daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. His final days were spent in the care of Eisenhower Health, where he was hospitalized two weeks before his passing.
Why Wink Martindale’s Legacy Lives On
Wink Martindale dead doesn’t just mean the end of a career—it’s the closing chapter of a man who bridged rock ‘n’ roll and prime-time television. Fans and fellow entertainers have taken to social media to honor his memory, calling him a “true original” and praising his lasting contributions to pop culture. As we remember Wink Martindale, we celebrate a voice, a smile, and a legacy that brought joy to millions.