Wink Martindale, Beloved Game Show Legend and Elvis Interviewer, Dies at 91
The genial host of “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough,” who also gave Elvis Presley one of his first TV interviews, passed away on tuesday, June 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment.
Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale, the affable face of classic game shows and a pivotal figure in early rock ‘n’ roll history, died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho mirage, California. He was 91. According to his publicist, Brian Mayes, Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year. “he was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago,” Mayes stated, reflecting on Martindale’s resilience.
Martindale’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on American television and radio. His approachable demeanor and quick wit made him a favorite in households across the nation. From his early days as a radio DJ to his reign as a game show king, Martindale’s journey is a testament to his enduring talent and adaptability.
A Game Show Titan
Martindale’s entry into the world of game shows coincided with a golden era for the genre. In September 1972, his show Gambit
debuted alongside iconic programs such as The Price is Right
with Bob Barker and The Joker’s Wild
with Jack Barry.
In his 2000 memoir, Winking at Life, martindale encapsulated the essence of a prosperous game show: From the day it hit the air, Gambit spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid. Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack.
His words underscore the importance of accessibility and broad appeal in capturing an audience.
Gambit
enjoyed a successful run, but faced stiff competition from NBC’s Wheel of Fortune
, which premiered in 1975 and continues to be a television institution. While Gambit
left the airwaves in December 1976, Martindale quickly found another hit.
In 1978, he took the helm of Tic-tac-Dough
, a CBS classic that remained on the air until 1985.Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse,
he wrote, illustrating his rapid ascent back to the top.
During his tenure on Tic-Tac-Dough
, Martindale oversaw the remarkable 88-game winning streak of Navy Lt. Thom McKee, whose winnings exceeded $300,000 in cash and prizes, including multiple cars, sailboats, and vacations. McKee’s success set a new benchmark for game show contestants at the time.
Martindale once expressed his passion for his work: I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience and to a degree, watching lives change. Winning a lot of cash can cause that to happen.
he also noted that during his seven years hosting Tic-Tac-Dough
, the show gave away over $7 million in cash and prizes.
From Radio Waves to Rock ‘n’ Roll History
Before his television success, Martindale honed his skills as a radio DJ. He credited his radio experience with providing him the ad-libbing skills necessary for hosting game shows, noting that radio prepared him to handle almost any situation spontaneously.Over his career,Martindale estimated that he hosted nearly two dozen game shows.
Born Winston Conrad martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, his interest with radio began in childhood. By age six, he was known to read advertisements aloud from Life magazine.
He started his radio career at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week.He later moved to WTJS and later joined WDXI for double the salary. While attending Memphis State, he hosted mornings at WHBQ. He graduated in 1957 as a married father of two.
Martindale played a small but important role in the history of rock and roll. On July 8, 1954, he was present in the WHBQ studio when Elvis Presley’s first record, That’s All Right
, was played. This event marked a turning point in music history and solidified Memphis as a hub for emerging talent.
In 1956, Martindale interviewed Elvis Presley on his TV show, Top Ten Dance Party. Years late, in 1959, while Presley was serving in the Army in Germany, Martindale conducted a trans-Atlantic telephone interview with the rising star. Moreover, Martindale’s second wife, Sandy, briefly dated presley in 1960 after meeting him on the set of G.I. Blues.
Beyond game Shows: Music and More
In 1959, Martindale moved to Los Angeles to host a morning show on KHJ.That same year, his spoken-word cover version of Deck of Cards
, a wartime story with religious overtones, reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 1 million copies. he performed the song on The Ed Sullivan Show, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
Martindale also had stints at KRLA and KFWB, and also two periods at KMPC, owned by actor Gene Autry. His first network hosting job was on NBC’s What’s This Song? (1964-65), where he was credited as Win Martindale.
He hosted two Chuck Barris-produced shows on ABC: Dream Girl ’67 and How’s Your Mother-in-Law? Martindale jokingly referred to the latter as the worst show of his career, saying, I’ve jokingly said it came and whent so fast, it seemed more like 13 minutes!
Martindale later hosted a revival of Gambit from Las Vegas (1980-81).He created Wink Martindale Enterprises to develop and produce game shows. His projects included Headline Chasers (co-produced with Merv Griffin) and Bumper stumpers.
He hosted debt on Lifetime cable (1996-98) and Instant recall on GSN (2010). In 2012, Martindale hosted the nationally syndicated The 100 greatest Christmas hits of All Time. In 2021, he hosted syndicated program The History of Rock `n’ Roll.
In 2017, Martindale appeared in a KFC ad campaign with actor Rob Lowe, further demonstrating his enduring appeal and willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Remembering a Legend
Wink martindale’s passing marks the end of an era for game show enthusiasts and classic television fans. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come. he is survived by his second wife of 49 years, Sandy, and children Lisa, Madelyn, Laura, and Wink Jr. from his first marriage, which ended in divorce in 1972.
What element of Wink Martindale’s work do you find most fascinating, and what aspect do you think resonates most with today’s audience?
Remembering Wink Martindale: A Conversation with entertainment Historian, Eleanor Vance
introduction
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Eleanor. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the life and legacy of the late Wink Martindale, a true icon of American television and radio. For those unfamiliar, could you briefly summarize Martindale’s impact on the entertainment industry?
Historian Eleanor vance: Certainly. Wink martindale was a multifaceted entertainer, excelling as a radio DJ, game show host, and even a recording artist. He hosted iconic shows like “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough,” captivating audiences with his warmth and wit. Beyond game shows, his early connection with Elvis Presley and the early rock and roll scene cemented his place in entertainment history. He possessed a rare blend of talent and approachability that resonated with generations.
The Game Show Titan
Archyde News Editor: Martindale’s success in the game show arena is undeniable. “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough” were household staples. What do you think set his hosting style apart during the golden age of game shows?
Historian Eleanor Vance: Wink understood the essence of a successful game show: clarity and connection. He had a knack for making complex concepts accessible to everyone and a genuine interest in contestants. He really seemed to enjoy their success. He created a pleasant atmosphere, allowing the personalities of contestants to shine. His radio background gave him the improvisation skills to handle anything that came up on air, and allowed him to connect with his audience.
From Radio to Rock ‘n’ Roll
Archyde News Editor: Martindale’s early career in radio, notably his role as a DJ, played a crucial part. How did thes early experiences shape his later success?
Historian Eleanor vance: Absolutely. Radio was his training ground. It honed his ad-libbing skills and taught him how to engage an audience in real-time. He developed the ability to think on his feet, a quality that served him incredibly well during the live format of game shows. His work with Elvis and the early rock scene, added a unique chapter to his biography, and shows how diverse he was and the era itself.
A Lasting legacy
Archyde News Editor: Martindale had a career that spanned decades and continues to be remembered. What do you believe will be his enduring legacy?
Historian Eleanor Vance: Wink Martindale’s legacy is one of accessibility and enduring appeal. He brought joy to millions through his work. He was someone who brought people together, providing family friendly entertainment for decades. Beyond the game shows, his early interaction with elvis and his musical contribution with “Deck of cards,” adds to a well rounded, diverse legacy in the world of entertainment. his career trajectory showed versatility and adaptability.It is a lesson for generations.
Call to Action
Archyde News Editor: looking back at the span of his career, what element of Wink Martindale’s work do you find most fascinating, and what aspect do you think resonates most with today’s audience? What will you remember most?
Historian Eleanor Vance: I find his versatility the most fascinating. His success in radio, on the music charts and in game shows shows his vast and various talents. His ability to adapt to evolving entertainment landscapes. What resonates today, is his sincerity and ability to connect with people: something that may perhaps have faded. I will remember the genuine smile and warmth.
Archyde News Editor: Eleanor, thank you. It has been fascinating. We appreciate your insight on the life and work of Wink Martindale.
