Tic-Tac-Dough Host Dies at 91

Wink Martindale, Beloved Game Show Icon, Passes Away at 91

Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale, a titan of television and radio, leaves behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment.

June 9, 2024

Wink martindale, whose name became synonymous with the golden age of game shows, died today in Rancho Mirage, CA, at the age of 91. His career, spanning over seven decades, cemented his place as a true American entertainment icon.

A spokesperson for the Martindale family confirmed his passing, stating that he was “surrounded by family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale.” While the cause of death was not specified, the announcement marks the end of an era for fans who grew up watching Martindale’s infectious enthusiasm light up their television screens.

From Memphis DJ to national Treasure

Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, TN, Wink’s journey began in radio at the tender age of 17. By 1954, he had risen through the ranks to WHBQ in Memphis, playing a pivotal role in music history.

“Elvis soon arrived at WHBQ for his first interview, and music was changed forever.”

The Martindale Family

According to his family, on the evening of July 10, 1954, fellow DJ Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s debut record, “That’s All Right,” on the radio for the very first time — playing the tune repeatedly while Martindale phoned Presley’s mother and asked if Elvis could come down to the radio station. This early connection to the King of Rock and Roll foreshadowed Martindale’s own rise to stardom.

Martindale also found success as a recording artist in 1959 with the spoken-word song “Deck of Cards.” The song’s success reflects the cultural landscape of the late 1950s, where spoken-word performances could capture the nation’s attention. the song reached No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No.5 on the UK Singles Chart and sold over a million copies.

Conquering the Airwaves: Radio Dominance

Martindale’s radio career continued to flourish as he moved to Los Angeles, hosting morning shows on KHJ-AM, KRLA, and KFWB, where he replaced Gary Owens, who later became the announcer for *Laugh-In*.His presence on the airwaves resonated with listeners, establishing him as a household name on the West Coast.

His radio credits also include Hit Parade Radio and the syndicated programs *Music of Your Life*, *100 Greatest Christmas Hits of all Time*, *The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll* and recent recurring appearances on *the Howard Stern Show*. One of his most popular radio specials was *The Elvis Presley Story* in 1975.

From Radio Waves to TV Screens

While radio provided his initial platform, television catapulted Martindale to national prominence. After hosting a science fiction-themed kids series called *Mars Patrol* and then hosting *Teenage Dance Party* in Memphis, landing his first game show hosting job on NBC’s *What’s This Song?* in 1964 marked a turning point. The show’s success underscores the enduring appeal of musical contests and Martindale’s ability to connect with audiences.

Show	Network	Years	notes
What’s This Song?	NBC	1964-1965	Martindale’s first game show hosting job.
Gambit	CBS, Syndication	1972-1976, 1980-1981	A card game-based quiz show.
Tic-Tac-Dough	Syndication	1978-1985	Martindale’s most successful game show.
Headline Chasers	Syndication	1985	The first show he produced (in association with Merv Griffin and syndication giant King World).
High Rollers	NBC	1974-1976, 1978-1980	A game show involving dice rolls.
Trivial Pursuit	the Family Channel	1993-1994	Based on the popular board game.

He followed *What’s This Song?* with NBC’s *Words and Music*, CBS’ *Gambit*, and his biggest success, *Tic-Tac-Dough*. Martindale hosted *Tic-Tac-Dough* for its first seven seasons,leaving in 1985 to host *Headline chasers*,which was the first show he produced (in association with merv Griffin and syndication giant King World).

A Legacy of Laughter and Connection

Martindale also went on to host such popular game shows as *High Rollers*, *The Last Word*, *the Great Getaway game*, *Trivial pursuit*, *Debt*, *Instant Recall*, and more. His warm personality and genuine enthusiasm made him a beloved figure in American households, and he was even a frequent target of Johnny Carson’s good-natured ribbing on *The Tonight Show*.

“A good host is a person who loves people. If you’re a people person, you’re naturally going to be attracted to contestants, and it’s easy for you to be able to interact with those people.”

Wink Martindale, Television Academy Foundation Interview, 2017

Martindale’s ability to connect with people was a key ingredient in his success. His perspective offers valuable insights into the qualities that define a successful game show host: empathy, genuine interest in others, and the ability to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Beyond the Game Show Set

In recent years, Martindale made appearances on such programs as *Most Outrageous Game Show Moments*, *The Chase*, and *The Bold and the Gorgeous*, and appeared in commercials for Orbitz, KFC (alongside Rob Lowe) and more.

By 1970, Martindale was recognizable as a DJ and game show host that he merited a Cheech & Chong parody on the duo’s debut comedy album. Cheech Marin took on the role of “Wink Dickerson,” a smooth-talking but nerdy DJ at AM radio station KRUT, a testament to martindale’s widespread recognition and influence on pop culture.

He also worked in local Los Angeles TV, hosting KTLA’s *American Bandstand*-influenced *P.O.P. Dance Party* on Saturdays from the old Pacific Ocean Park pier during the early 1960s.

Martindale also supported numerous causes and produced and hosted annual telethons for Cerebral Palsy and St.jude Children’s Hospital, among other charities, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community and using his platform for good.

Honors and Accolades

Martindale’s contributions to the entertainment industry were widely recognized. In 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2024, he was honored with a Beale Street Note on Memphis, Tennessee’s Beale Street Walk of Fame. He was also one of the first inductees into the American TV Game show Hall of Fame.

A Final Farewell

Wink Martindale is survived by his wife, Sandra; sister, Geraldine; daughters, Lisa, Lyn, and Laura; a large extended family of grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his “honorary son,” Eric. His legacy as a beloved entertainer and a true American icon will continue to inspire and bring joy to audiences for generations to come.

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I can do that

Remembering Wink Martindale: A Conversation with Game Show Historian, Barbara Sterling

Following the recent passing of Wink Martindale, Archyde News speaks with Barbara Sterling, a renowned game show historian and author of “the Golden Age of Game Shows,” to reflect on Martindale’s remarkable career and enduring legacy.

Welcome, Barbara. Thank you for joining us.Can you share your initial reaction to the news of Wink Martindale’s passing?

Of course. It’s a deeply sorrowful day for anyone who grew up with television. Wink Martindale wasn’t just a host; he was a fixture. His warmth, his infectious energy – it’s hard to believe he’s gone. He was a true icon of the mid-century era.

His career spanned decades. What do you believe was the key to his longevity and appeal?

Wink had an uncanny ability to connect with his audience. He seemed genuinely interested in the contestants,which fostered a real sense of camaraderie. Also, he was a master of the craft. He had perfect timing, knew how to build suspense, and always made the shows fun. His versatility, from radio DJ in Memphis to a TV game show host, also played a huge role.

His early days in Memphis and his pivotal role in the early music industry. How significant was his connection to Elvis Presley, in your view?

That’s a really important part of his story. Wink was right there at the beginning of the rock ‘n’ roll revolution. Connecting Elvis Presley at WHBQ-AM was a significant moment.It illustrates his understanding of what captured the public’s imagination. This experience really shaped his career path early on. I believe it helped him develop the skills he would later use to connect with contestants and viewers.

“Tic-Tac-Dough” was undoubtedly his most iconic show. What made that format and his hosting style so successful?

“Tic-Tac-Dough” was in the perfect format, simple, exciting, and easily understood! Wink’s personality fit the show perfectly. He kept the pace upbeat. His enthusiasm was contagious. He was able to take a simple game and make it must-see television. This is ultimately what made the show a big success. He also had a great voice for TV!

Beyond the game show format, what other aspects of his career, such as his radio work and spoken-word song, “Deck of Cards”, should we remember?

Absolutely.It reminds us of his talents. The success of Deck of Cards illustrates his ability to tap into the public’s emotions. His career’s range also is testament to his versatility. As a radio DJ,he had a perfect voice for radio. Each helped him along the way.

He hosted a wide range of game shows. What do you think influenced other game show hosts?

Wink’s warm personality,his ability to relate to contestants,and his impeccable timing set a new standard for the industry. Also, in the interview from The Television Academy Foundation, Wink mentions “A good host is a person who loves people. If you’re a people person, you’re naturally going to be attracted to contestants, and it’s easy for you to be able to interact with those people.” This really speaks volumes. Wink created a agreeable environment where contestants could truly shine. This had a lasting impact!

Martindale was also a strong supporter of charitable causes. what message would you say this sends out to the entertainment industry, now and in the future?

He consistently used his platform to support charitable organizations, especially st. Jude Children’s Hospital and cerebral palsy charities. This emphasizes the importance of giving back and using one’s influence for others. He demonstrated that entertainers can inspire and uplift others.This should serve as a template for future generations.

Given his long and influential career, how do you believe Wink Martindale’s legacy will be remembered?

He’ll be remembered as a warm, charismatic host who brought joy to millions of homes. He’s someone who loved the game and loved people. His contributions to the game show world will be remembered as truly iconic, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. His genuine warmth and speedy wit made him more than just a host; he was a welcome guest in our homes for years.

aside from the memorable game shows, what is your favorite memory of Wink Martindale?

I think, for me, it’s seeing him on *the Tonight Show*. He had a special rapport with Johnny Carson. The genuine laughs and shared moments will be something to be remembered. He always had a charm, and it shined through as he was being ribbed by Johnny and the other guests. It really demonstrated his ability to take things in stride and keep the tone fun.

Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your insights. It’s truly a loss to those who love the Golden Age of TV.

It’s been my pleasure.

We invite our readers to share their favorite memories of Wink Martindale in the comments below. What are your most cherished game show moments featuring this iconic host?