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Wink Martindale
1933 - 2025
Wink Martindale
1933 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1933
DIED
2025
Wink Martindale Obituary
Wink Martindale, the popular American TV game show host of the 1970s and '80s, died April 15, 2025 of lymphoma at the age of 91 in Rancho Mirage, California.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale, "Wink" began his career as a radio DJ in Tennessee. That's where he first heard the then-unknown Elvis Presley's debut recording, "That's All Right," just five days after the future superstar recorded it. Martindale became one of Presley's early fans and friends in the media, interviewing him several times during the 1950s.
Martindale began hosting television game shows in the mid-1960s, and came to wider recognition on shows like "Gambit," which he hosted from 1972 to 1976, and "Tic-Tac-Dough," which he helmed from 1978 to 1985, along with stints on such shows as "High Rollers" and "Trivial Pursuit." He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007.
Fans on social media are sharing their fond memories of Martindale's presence in their lives. Chris Moore writes: "My grandfather and I would sit in their living room every afternoon I was off school and watch USA Network. At the time all USA aired in the afternoon were game shows. Thank you for the memories and the time I was able to spend with my grandfather. You will be missed but never replaced."
(Photo by Jesse Grant/WireImage/Getty Images)
27 Entries
John Pelaggi
August 4, 2025
RIP
Matt S. Fein
June 4, 2025
Wink Martindale was my hero as a child, 'til I was 11 years old. (1987) I even had a suit, that whenever I wore it, I would tell everyone, that I thought I looked like him! I will definitely miss him!
Jeanette Hendrix Cobb
May 24, 2025
Oh how I hate reading/hearing of Wink's passing. He always came to Jerry's Restaurant to see his favorite waitress, my Mama Pat every time he was in Jackson, Tn visiting his Brother, Leo. I've saw and had many conversations with Wink although I was 15 at the time. Wink loved everyone and was a very nice man with a huge personality. Please give my Mama a hug in Heaven for me. You're both so missed.
Tina McFarlin
May 12, 2025
Rest well, Wink. You are such a kind and generous of heart man. While temping at KMPC radio we met and became friends. We went to dinner. My husband, George and Wink were music enthusiasts and dinner was much about "who recorded this". So Fun. The next morning I heard a noise and opened the door to Wink leaving us tickets to a football game. Our strongest thread was Elvis. I interacted with Elvis for the 3 years prior to marrying in 72. Wink was just meeting Sandy and our subsequent conversations were about his joy of falling in love. When Elvis died, my phone rang, it was Wink. We were both devastated. Sandy, I believe, was in a movie with Elvis and she was also so very saddened. What a nice, kind, thoughtful talented man you are. I´ve tried to contact you. We have joyful memories and send your family, your Sandy our condolences and prayers. You brought such joy to so many. Tina McFarlin
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Joel & Jackie Robins
May 4, 2025
Wink and Sandy were the kindest, most generous people there were. Their dedication to St Jude was legendary. When we had a dinner for my wife's birthday in California, they graciously attended and were the life of the party. We think of Wink often and were so saddened to hear of his passing. Sandy, Jackie, and I send our deepest sympathies and love.
Julia Hannah
April 24, 2025
His smile was contagious! A wonderful host and man.
Marc Taylor
April 23, 2025
Wink, You were one of my favorite TV game show hosts ever since Tic Tac Dough in 1978 when I was 9 years old. I will never forget watching some of your other games shows on TV and you sending me 2 autographed pictures in the mail of you I will always treasure them. Rest In Peace and may you do game shows with the Angels, Marc Taylor
Kenneth Dailey
April 22, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Wink on a few occasions. Two at book signings and one at the 2006 Game Show Congress. Very pleasant. I believe that Wink played a big part in the success of both "Gambit" and "Tic Tac Dough". Wink was very good at what he did. My condolences go to his family.
Terri Deltondo
April 22, 2025
Dear cousin Sandy, I was so sorry to hear of your beloved Winks passing. Wink was such a gentleman and the nicest human being. I will always cherish all the memories of how you allowed me to share the many happy moments of Winks life. It was truly a blessing to have known Wink. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories in Winks life and God's strength to endure. Cousin Terri
Terri Deltondo
April 22, 2025
T Brooks
April 22, 2025
I absolutely loved Tic Tac Dough back in the day. It was Wink's personality that made that show what it was. Sending deepest thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.
JK
April 22, 2025
Sending condolences to his family and friends. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. He was an amazing person and game show host who will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Rest in peace in heaven Wink.
ER
April 21, 2025
My deepest sympathy is with Wink´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May Almighty God ( Psalm Chapter 83 verse 18) give you the strength to cope.
Christine Love
April 21, 2025
We will miss you so much Wink.
Your kind heart, your smile, everything.
You brought so much joy to everyone around you.
We will treasure all the memories, the laughter, the good times, your wonderful friendship and loving support for Chenza and I.
Forever thankful for you and Sandy.
Christine Love, Josh and Chenza
Bob Parente
April 20, 2025
Wink, simply the best !!!
Lisa Weiner
April 20, 2025
To Wink martindale
You were a great game show host for tic-tac dough. Gambit. Etc. my prayers are with your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Lois Curran- Klein & David Klein
April 19, 2025
Dear Sandy,
David & I want to express our deepest symphony to you and your family in the passing of your wonderful husband Wink. He was a wonderful person, friend, great game show host, great Master of Ceremonies at Fund Raising Galas I headed up and more. We will also Cherish the many annual Elvis Presley Birthday Celebrations 10 plus we hosted at our home with 50 plus Elvis Fans in attendance each year, sharing many stories you and Wink had of your relationship with Elvis. Wink also did those beautiful Tributes for Elvis that we enjoyed hearing many times.
There will always be a place in our hearts for Wink & you taking the time out of your busy schedules each year to be at our annual Elvis Birthday Celebrations. What Wonderful Memories for us and our Elvis Group Fans.
Lois Curran-Klein & David Klein
Eileen Prose
April 19, 2025
Wink was my dear friend for over 50 years. He was such a wonderful man, a devoted father, a giving and caring friend and a truly talented artist. His children, Lisa, Lynn, Laura and Wink Jr. were surrounded by his love and his example of a good person. Wink´s wife Sandy was his loving and always supportive partner and I know she must be devastated by his passing. Surely God will hold Wink in the palm of his hand and give him the ultimate gift of eternal peace. I will forever send my love and prayers to my remarkable friend.
Paul Lewis
April 19, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. I remember him hosting game shows in which he did an excellent job. His legacy will be remembered by a host of fans. May God be with your family and give you comfort.
Ben Masters
April 19, 2025
His Tic Tac Dough was the first show I ever knew of his (I got my first exposure to it as a boy when it was in syndication). Just about a year after I became a teenager, Game Show Network signed on for the first time, and TTD was one of the shows on their Club A.M. morning block (the earliest-season shows from 1978 and 1979). What I liked about his show was that it was the show in its purest form (9 Apple II computers, a moderately-flashy board and set, and how Martindale knew how to get the most out of all the people who played on his show [especially the great Thom McKee, to the tune of $312,700 in 1980]); I didn't see it firsthand (being born in 1981), but I have enjoyed it secondhand from both GSN and YouTube.
All this said, this is why Martindale, even in his passing, will remain one of the greats of the genre, and why his Tic Tac Dough will still stand tall in the genre above all other versions of that X and O trivia game.
Tony Spencer
April 18, 2025
He was a great game show host. I watch his show Gambit when I was a kid. I got his autograph picture from 1976 when I was 12 or 13. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Martindale family. Thanks Wink for being great game show host and a great fan you turned out to be. Tony Spencer Cleveland, Ohio.
Chris Ladd
April 17, 2025
Dear friend
Leslie Redaway
April 17, 2025
Rest In Heaven
Tiffany Rachel Estep
April 17, 2025
Wink was one of the greatest hosts I've known. I watched Tic Tac Dough Headline Chasers High Rollers The Last Word The Great Getaway Game Gambit Top Secret Banko Trivial Pursuit the board game I got for Christmas and Debt.He was the Most Outrageous Game Show Moments with Bob Eubanks Jim Lange Peter Marshall and Ben Stein. He was on the Mountain Dew commercial and he screamed at the end. He did a narrative "To A Sleeping Beauty" and he wore glasses back then in the Nestea commercial. He wore a tuxedo for Debt. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family.
Tony Spirito
April 17, 2025
Grady Morris Youngblood
April 16, 2025
Martindale began hosting television game shows in the mid-1960s, and came to wider recognition on shows like "Gambit," which he hosted from 1972 to 1976, and "Tic-Tac-Dough," which he helmed from 1978 to 1985, along with stints on such shows as "High Rollers" and "Trivial Pursuit." He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007.
Grady youngblood
April 16, 2025
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