Legendary Game Show Host Wink Martindale Passes Away at 91
Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale, the beloved game show host, radio personality, and television producer who became a household name in American entertainment, has died.
He passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 91, after battling lymphoma.
He died in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink began his radio career at just 17 years old.
With a deep, commanding voice and natural charm, he quickly became a familiar presence on the airwaves.
He eventually found his way to Memphis, where he shared a pivotal moment in music history—being present during the first radio play of Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right.”
Wink even helped track Elvis down for an impromptu interview that would change both their lives.
Martindale’s iconic career spanned over seven decades.
He made his mark as the host of numerous game shows, including Gambit, Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers, and Debt.
His name became synonymous with smiles, suspense, and family fun.
In 1978, he took over as host of Tic-Tac-Dough, a role that made him a television fixture and endeared him to millions of viewers.
Remarkably, he passed away just one day after a new revival of Tic-Tac-Dough premiered, a poetic nod to his lasting legacy.
Wink was more than a game show host—he was a visionary.
He created and produced several programs through Wink Martindale Enterprises and Martindale/Gilden Productions.
His voice was also behind the chart-topping spoken-word hit “Deck of Cards” in 1959, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an international success.
Even in his later years, Wink remained active.
He hosted radio programs, made guest appearances, and ran his own YouTube channel, “Wink’s Vault,” where he shared rare clips and game show memories.
His final upload went live just hours before his death.
Outside the spotlight, Wink was a devoted family man.
He married Madelyn Leech in 1954 and had four children with her.
Following their divorce in 1971, he married Sandy Ferra in 1975, who had once dated Elvis Presley herself.
The two remained close friends of Elvis throughout his life and frequently shared stories about their time with him.
Martindale was also a man of faith and called himself a born-again Christian.
He was an occasional guest on Christian programming and used his platform to share his values.
He leaves behind a loving family, loyal fans, and a legacy that shaped American game show culture.
Wink Martindale was more than a television host—he was a voice of joy, a pioneer in entertainment, and a true gentleman of the golden age of broadcasting.
He will be missed but never forgotten.