Wink Martindale: The Iconic Voice of America’s Game Show Era Passes at 91
Ever heard a voice that instantly made you smile? That was Wink Martindale. From blackjack-themed game shows to pop chart success, he did it all—with style, charm, and that unmistakable Southern twang.
It’s hard to imagine American game shows without picturing Wink Martindale’s warm smile and smooth delivery. The legendary TV and radio host, who became a familiar face in households across the country, passed away at the age of 91. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Los Angeles Times, Martindale died on a peaceful Tuesday in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by his loving family. While no official cause of death has been released, what’s certain is the deep impact he left behind.
Before he was a household name, Wink—born Winston Conrad Martindale—was just a kid from Jackson, Tennessee, with a big dream and a velvet voice. That voice would take him from the local Memphis airwaves to national fame, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable personalities on television. He got his start on the radio at WHBQ in Memphis, a gig that launched his decades-long career in entertainment. Fun fact: that’s the same station where Elvis Presley got his first big break. It’s no surprise the two would cross paths.
🌀 Unexpected Turns & TV Glory Days
Wink's career wasn’t just one straight shot to stardom—it was full of twists and transformations. One of his earliest TV gigs was hosting Mars Patrol, a children’s sci-fi show on WHBQ-TV, between 1953 and 1955. It might sound like a humble beginning, but that little gig gave him the on-camera presence that would later define his legacy.
The real turning point? When NBC tapped him to host musical game shows like What’s This Song? and Words and Music. These were early experiments in blending entertainment with competition—and Martindale's charisma made it work. But the moment he truly hit the national stage was in 1972, when CBS picked him to host Gambit, a blackjack-inspired game show that ran until 1976. It was slick, it was different, and Wink made it must-see TV.
Not one to rest on a single hit, he returned to Gambit for a Las Vegas spinoff on NBC from 1980-1981. Around the same time, he scored one of his most iconic roles—hosting Tic-Tac-Dough from 1978 to 1985. If you grew up during that era, there’s a good chance you remember that catchy theme song and Wink's signature delivery of the word “congratulations!”
And he didn’t stop there.
🎯 Pointer: Wink Wasn’t Just a Host — He Was a Creator
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Created and co-produced: Headline Chasers—a game show focused on guessing real headlines.
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Teamed up with legends: Worked alongside fellow game show giant Merv Griffin.
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Expanded into other game formats: Including High Rollers, a dice-driven quiz game.
This wasn’t a guy who just read from cue cards—he shaped the game show landscape.
💿 A Surprise Music Hit? Yep!
Long before YouTube stars and viral TikToks, Wink Martindale made his own splash in the music world. In 1959, he released The Deck of Cards, a spoken-word song that told the story of a soldier finding faith in a deck of playing cards. It was heartfelt, patriotic, and totally unexpected—and it resonated with listeners big time. The song hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Let that sink in: A game show host cracked the Top 10 on the pop charts in the '50s. Who does that? Wink did.
💕 Elvis Presley and a Love Story
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Wink’s wife, Sandy Ferra, actually dated Elvis Presley before she ever met Wink. But she credits the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with leading her to her future husband. In a 2015 interview with Elvis Australia, she recalled how Martindale being from Tennessee gave him an instant edge in her heart.
“When he said he was from Tennessee, I thought, ‘He must be a nice guy,’ because I loved the state, I loved all the guys, I loved everything in the state of Tennessee because Elvis was such a wonderful part of my life,” she said.
That’s the kind of full-circle magic you only find in stories that span decades.
📺 Why Wink Mattered
Wink Martindale wasn't just another guy in a suit behind a podium. He was an era. He made game shows feel like more than just trivia—he made them feel important, like you were part of something just by watching.
Here’s what made him special:
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Voice like honey: His delivery was both energetic and reassuring.
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Respect for the audience: Wink never talked down to viewers. He welcomed them in.
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Versatility: From hosting to producing to music, he refused to be boxed in.
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Longevity: Over 50 years in the biz. That’s no accident.
🎙️ The Final Sign-Off
Though the world of TV has changed, and game shows have gone digital or faded into rerun territory, Wink’s legacy is permanent. Whether it was through a family gathering in front of Tic-Tac-Dough, or a random discovery of The Deck of Cards on an oldies playlist, chances are Wink made an impression on your life—even if you didn’t realize it.
USA TODAY reached out to his representatives for comment, but sometimes the best tribute doesn’t need official words. It’s in the memories he created for generations of viewers. The excitement of shouting answers at the TV, the calm confidence of Wink’s voice, and the feeling that you were part of a fun, friendly game—that’s what sticks.
As the curtain falls on one of TV’s most enduring figures, fans across the country are no doubt smiling through the nostalgia. Wink Martindale didn’t just host shows—he hosted moments, the kind that stick with you for a lifetime.
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