Wink Martindale was more than just a well-known television personality — to countless Americans, he was a comforting voice and a symbol of fun, excitement, and nostalgia.
Viewers fondly recall the thrill of Tic-Tac-Dough, the lively pace of High Rollers, and the enjoyable energy of Headline Chasers. But it was Gambit that really made a lasting impression. That show, thanks in large part to Wink’s signature warmth and charisma, felt deeply personal — like he was inviting you into something special, just for you.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink got his start in broadcasting at the young age of 17. He worked as a radio DJ at WPLI, earning just $25 a week.
Reflecting on how his nickname came to be, Wink told ABC News in 2014: “When I was a kid in Jackson, one of my playmates, Jimmy McCord, had trouble pronouncing ‘Winston’ due to a speech impediment — it came out sounding like ‘Winky.’ That stuck, and eventually I became ‘Wink’ when I entered the business.”
His career began not only behind the mic, but also in front of the camera. Wink hosted a sci-fi children’s show called Mars Patrol on WHBQ-TV — an early sign that he was destined for showbiz.
His big break came in 1972 when he was chosen to host the new CBS game show Gambit. The show became a hit, and Wink hosted it for four successful years.
A special connection with Elvis Presley
Before rising to fame as a game show host, Wink was part of a pivotal moment in rock ’n’ roll history — all thanks to his close friendship with Elvis Presley.
On July 10, 1954, Wink was giving a tour of the WHBQ radio station in Memphis when he noticed the studio phone lines lighting up during Dewey Phillips’ show. The buzz was caused by a new record — Elvis Presley’s debut single, That’s All Right.
The song had been recorded just five days earlier by producer Sam Phillips and was now catching fire with listeners. Dewey wanted to get Elvis on the air immediately, but no one could find him.
Wink called the Presley household and spoke with Elvis’ mother, Gladys. She explained Elvis had gone to the movies to calm his nerves. At Wink’s urging, she brought him to the station. Elvis arrived with his parents, and Dewey interviewed him live — though Elvis didn’t realize he was already on air. Wink would later remember Elvis admitting he probably wouldn’t have been able to speak if he’d known.
That night helped launch Elvis’ career — and Wink was there for it all.
What stood out most about Elvis
To Wink, what truly made Elvis special wasn’t the fame or the talent — it was his heart.
“The thing that surprised me most about Elvis,” Wink once said, “was that he was a giver.” Elvis quietly donated millions of dollars to charities, both in the U.S. and abroad — something few people ever knew.
Wink’s wife, Sandra, had even dated Elvis before marrying Wink in 1975. In a twist of fate, Sandra credited Elvis for leading her to Wink. “Elvis is the reason I married Wink,” she shared in a 2015 interview. “When [Wink] told me he was from Tennessee, I immediately thought he must be a good man — because Elvis was such an important part of my life, and I loved everything about Tennessee.”
A lasting presence in entertainment
Wink remained active in the entertainment world well into his later years. One of his final projects was The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a two-hour syndicated radio show spotlighting hits from the ’60s through the ’80s. He was 88 when he hosted it.
Sadly, Wink Martindale passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 91. He died from lymphoma at a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by family, including his wife Sandra.
He leaves behind his daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his “honorary” son Eric, and his beloved Chihuahua, Dude.
Wink Martindale’s impact on television isn’t just measured by his long list of game shows — it’s seen in the joy he brought to millions. He was more than a host; he felt like a friend. His presence made people feel like they were part of something fun and welcoming.
Though the cameras have stopped rolling, Wink’s legacy will live on — in our hearts, in our memories, and in every joyful moment he gave us. Rest in peace, Wink.