Television’s golden buzzer just fell silent. Wink Martindale, the charismatic maestro behind Tic-Tac-Dough
, has taken his final bow at 91. Surrounded by loved ones, including his wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale, he passed away in Rancho Mirage, California. With his signature smile and unforgettable charm, Wink Martindale turned every show into an iconic moment, leaving behind a legacy that fans will cherish forever.
As the golden buzzer of TV quiets with Wink Martindale’s passing, his legacy still shines bright, the king of game shows who made trivia feel like prime-time magic.
Wink Martindale, golden era TV icon, leas for heavenly abode at 91
Television has lost one of its most iconic voices. Wink Martindale, the ever-charming game show legend with that signature smile, has passed away at 91 in Rancho Mirage, California. Best known for hosting classics like Tic-Tac-Dough
, Gambit
, and High Rollers
,
Martindale’s elegance and wit helped define a golden era of game shows.
Throughout his 74-year career
, he transformed everyday moments into unforgettable entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
The entire Game Show Network family mourns the loss of Wink Martindale, the host of the original “Tic-Tac-Dough” and a true legend of television game shows. His charm and presence lit up the screen for generations of viewers and he will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/DNqLToCv5r
— Game Show Network (@GameShowNetwork) April 15, 2025
From Memphis airwaves to Hollywood spotlights, Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale’s journey began at just 17
, when history crackled through radio speakers as he witnessed Elvis Presley’s debut track premiere on WHBQ.
His velvet voice became a soundtrack across Los Angeles radio stations, narrating everything from holiday specials to musical histories. The consummate professional quickly climbed the entertainment ladder, transforming from regional personality to national treasure
through sheer talent and that unmistakable warmth radiating through microphones.
While Wink Martindale’s voice became synonymous with game show glory, his legacy stretched far beyond the screen, shaping pop culture, music, and the very rhythm of American entertainment.
Wink Martindale: TV icon and chart-topping entertainer
The small screen beckoned in 1964 when NBC’s
What’s This Song?
introduced America to Wink Martindale’s television charisma, launching a dynasty of daytime entertainment. His repertoire expanded like a jackpot counter, most notably with Tic-Tac-Dough
, where his tailored suits and perfect hair became as familiar as living room furniture. In 1959, his spoken-word recording
Deck of Cards
climbed to No. 7 on Billboard charts
, shuffling between legends in an era before Taylor Swift dominated rankings
.
R.I.P. Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale, who I knew for about 10 or so years and who became part of the California Music Hall of Fame in my same class. pic.twitter.com/2KgXfmIF3N
— Gary Green™ (@THEGaryGreen) April 15, 2025
Beyond bright lights and buzzers, Wink Martindale championed causes through telethons and charity work, earning recognition with coveted stars on both Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and Memphis’ Beale Street.
The consummate entertainer never truly retired, appearing on soap operas like The Bold and the Beautiful
and bringing his veteran charm to KFC campaigns.
Wink’s final scoreboard shows a remarkable legacy: husband to Sandra Martindale, brother to Geraldine Martindale, father of three daughters, and patriarch to generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, plus his honorary son named Eric.
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