LOS ANGELES (NW) — Wink Martindale, the beloved host of Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers, and other popular game shows, died Tuesday at the age of 91, his manager confirmed. Martindale passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, though the cause of death was not immediately provided.
Born on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Martindale began his career at the age of 17 as a disc jockey at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week. After moving to WTJS, he was recruited by Jackson’s other station, WDXI, where he was offered double his previous salary. He later hosted morning shows at WHBQ in Memphis while attending Memphis State University. Martindale graduated in 1957, married, and was the father of two daughters by that time.
A fan of game shows, Martindale’s career in television began in 1964 with What’s This Song?. He quickly became known for his baritone voice and easygoing style, which won him fans across the country. Throughout his career, he hosted more than a dozen game shows, including Gambit, Debt, and Headline Chasers.
Martindale’s early radio career intersected with Elvis Presley’s rise to fame. He was in the WHBQ studio when Presley’s first record, “That’s All Right,” was played on July 8, 1954. The two became friends, and in 1956, Martindale invited Presley and DJ Dewey Phillips for a joint interview on his TV show, Top Ten Dance Party. By then, Presley was a major star, and the appearance marked one of many connections between the two. In 1959, Martindale conducted a trans-Atlantic interview with Presley while he was stationed in Germany. The two remained friends until Presley’s death in 1977.
Martindale hosted Tic-Tac-Dough and High Rollers among many other shows, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of television game shows. He remained a well-liked and respected figure in the industry until his passing.
