Wink Martindale Obituary, Death: American disc jockey, radio personality & Prolific Game Show Host Passes Away at 91

Wink Martindale Obituary, Death: Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale, the beloved American disc jockey, radio personality, and game show host, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 91 in Rancho Mirage, California. Born on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Martindale’s career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on American entertainment.

Martindale’s journey into the spotlight began at the age of 17 when he became a disc jockey at WPLI in Jackson, Tennessee. His early exposure to the music industry included a significant moment when he was present at WHBQ in Memphis during the debut of Elvis Presley’s first record, “That’s All Right.” This encounter led to a historic interview with Presley, marking a pivotal moment in Martindale’s career. In 1959, Martindale achieved commercial success with his spoken-word rendition of “Deck of Cards,” which sold over a million copies and reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success paved the way for his transition into television.

Martindale’s television career took off in the early 1970s when he began hosting game shows. He is best known for hosting Gambit (1972–1976, 1980–1981), Tic-Tac-Dough (1978–1985), High Rollers (1987–1988), and Debt (1996–1998). His charismatic presence and engaging style made him a household name and earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.

Beyond hosting, Martindale ventured into production, creating and producing various game shows, including Headline Chasers and Bumper Stumpers. He also hosted The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a syndicated radio show that showcased his deep knowledge and passion for music. Martindale was married twice; his first marriage to Madelyn Leech in 1954 ended in divorce in 1972. He married Sandy Ferra in 1975, and together they shared a love for Elvis Presley, with whom they had personal connections. Martindale was also a devout Christian and known for his conservative political views.

Throughout his career, Martindale remained active in the entertainment industry, making appearances on various television shows and commercials. His contributions to television and radio earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007. Wink Martindale’s death marks the end of an era in American television. His legacy as a pioneering game show host and his enduring influence on the entertainment industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.