Wink Martindale, Legendary Game Show Host and Radio Icon, Dies at 91

Wink Martindale, the charismatic voice behind some of America’s most iconic game shows and a beloved figure in radio broadcasting, has passed away at the age of 91. His death occurred Tuesday in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by his family and his wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale, according to a statement from family friend and representative Brian Mayes.

Born Winston Conrad Martindale in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1933, Wink’s fascination with radio began early and sparked a legendary career spanning over seven decades. Starting as a disc jockey at just 17, he quickly climbed the ranks, eventually landing at WHBQ in Memphis. It was there, in July 1954, that he played a small but pivotal role in rock and roll history, calling Elvis Presley’s mother after Presley’s debut single, “That’s All Right,” flooded the station with requests. Presley soon arrived at the studio for his first interview.

Wink’s career took off from there. In 1959, his spoken-word track “Deck of Cards” soared to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the UK Singles Chart, selling over a million copies. His radio journey included stints at several major stations including KHJ, KRLA, and KFWB in Los Angeles, where he became known for debuting some of the 60s and 70s most memorable hits. He later hosted syndicated programs like Music of Your Life, 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time, and The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with more recent guest appearances on The Howard Stern Show.

Television audiences grew to love Wink Martindale for his smooth charm and trademark smile. He began his TV career in Memphis on “Mars Patrol” and “Teenage Dance Party,” even welcoming Elvis to the set in 1956. His breakout into game shows came in the mid-60s with NBC’s “What’s This Song?” followed by “Words and Music,” CBS’ “Gambit,” and the wildly popular “Tic-Tac-Dough.” His legacy on television extended further with shows like Headline Chasers, High Rollers, Debt, and Trivial Pursuit, and he even produced some, including 1985’s Headline Chasers alongside Merv Griffin.

In addition to his entertainment career, Martindale was a passionate philanthropist, dedicating time and resources to organizations like Cerebral Palsy and St. Jude Children’s Hospital through telethons and other initiatives.

Wink received numerous accolades during his life, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame and received honors in his hometown of Memphis, including a Beale Street Note in 2024 and the University of Memphis Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, sister Geraldine, daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura, a large extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, an honorary son Eric, and his cherished Chihuahua, Dude.