Wink Martindale, Legendary Host of ‘Tic-Tac-Dough’ and ‘Gambit,’ Dies at 91

Wink Martindale, a game show icon who brought charisma, charm, and a booming voice to American television for over seven decades, has died at 91.

The announcement was made via his official Facebook page, where his team remembered him as “amazing, funny and talented. Truly a LEGEND.” That legacy isn’t up for debate. Martindale’s voice, presence, and sharp hosting style defined an era of game show television — and influenced generations that followed.

He started in radio when he was just 17, becoming a DJ in Memphis long before TV ever knew his name. In 1954, as Elvis Presley’s debut single “That’s All Right” hit the airwaves for the first time, it was Martindale who reached out to Presley’s mother, helping arrange what would become a crucial early radio interview — a moment many credit as a launching pad for Elvis’ meteoric rise.

But Martindale didn’t stay behind the radio booth. By the 1960s, he had moved to Los Angeles and began appearing on television. He broke into game shows in 1964 with What’s This Song?, and would go on to host Gambit, High Rollers, Tic-Tac-Dough, and many others. His voice became synonymous with daytime competition and high-stakes trivia. He was smooth, magnetic, and always in control — the kind of host who made you feel like you were watching something that mattered.

Outside of game shows, Martindale had success in music, too. His spoken-word hit “Deck of Cards” climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies. He kept his foot in radio throughout the decades, holding down positions at LA staples like KHJ, KRLA, KMPC, and others.

Wink didn’t just host shows — he was the show. He brought energy without arrogance, style without smugness. And he stayed active in entertainment for 74 years. That kind of longevity is rare. That kind of legacy is even rarer.