Wink Martindale Dies: The Iconic Game Show Host Was 91
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Wink Martindale visits the SiriusXM studios on ... More August 08, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by)
Wink Martindale, one of the most recognized game show hosts in television history, died Tuesday died in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 91. Martindale passed away surrounded by family and his wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale, according to a news release from his publicity firm.
Through the course of his career, Martindale hosted 15 game shows, with his three greatest successes Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers and Gambit. Including his later role as a producer, the number of game shows on his resume rose to 21.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933 in Jackson, Mississippi, Martindale started his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown. While attending Memphis State University, Martindale hosted of morning show Clockwatchers on radio station WHBQ. An early segue into television came at WHBQ-TV in Memphis, where he hosted Mars Patrol, a science-fiction themed children's television series. Next as a host at the station was Teenage Dance Party, which featured an appearance by Elvis Presley, who was a personal friend, in 1956.
American singer Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) appears with presenter Wink Martindale (left) on Wink's ... More television show 'Teenage Dance Party' in Memphis, Tennessee, 16th June 1956. (Photo by Silver)
Martindale also had a hit record in the 1950s with the spoken-word country song, Deck of Cards.
Nicknamed "Wink" by a neighborhood friend, Martindale's first break on television came at age 31 as host of the game show What's This Song? on NBC from 1964 to 1965. Next on NBC was another musical-themed game show, Words and Music, from 1970 to 1971. But it was the original Gambit from 1970 to 1974 on CBS (and later the Las Vegas-based revival from 1980 to 1981) that brought him national recognition.
LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 25: Pictured is host Wink Martindale on the CBS television game show GAMBIT. ... More August 25, 1972. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Martindale's greatest success as a game show host came courtesy of the revival of Tic-Tac-Dough beginning in 1978. He exited in 1985 to host the one season Headline Chasers through his newly formed production company, Wink Martindale Enterprises. Next under his production banner was the three season game show Bumper Stumpers, which aired on both American and Canadian television from 1987 until 1990.
Prior to Bumper Stumpers, and in a partnership with producer Jerry Gilden, Martindale/Gilden Productions secured the licensing rights from Parker Brothers to develop game shows based on Parker-owned properties.
After hosting the short-lived revival of High Rollers and the Canadian game show The Last Word, Martindale moved into a producer's role on The Great Getaway Game on Travel Channel in 1990. He also produced and hosted a series of interactive game shows for the old Family Channel, including Trivial Pursuit in 1993.
Martindale then headed to Lifetime to host game show Debt, which ran from 1996 to 1998.
Additionally, Martindale was active doing commercials for Orbitz and KFC, among other outlets, and made guest appearances on such programs as Most Outrageous Game Show Moments, The Chase, and The Bold and the Beautiful.
In 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And he was one of the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame, amopng other career honors.
Wink Martindale during Game Show Host Wink Martindale Honored With Star On the Hollywood Walk of ... More Fame at 7018 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA, United States. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Beginning in 2014, Martindale had started his own YouTube channel, called Wink's Vault, featuring episodes of game shows, game show pilots, rare clips from various game shows, among other clips.
Martindale is survived by his wife, Sandra; sister Geraldine; his daughters Lisa, Lyn and Laura; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Did you know these 30 famous people have ties to Rockford, Illinois?
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — While Rockford, Illinois will likely be forever known for its time as one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the United, States, the city has produced an exceptional array of individuals who have left significant marks on history, culture, sports, entertainment, literature, journalism, and more. From pioneering scholars to celebrated athletes, artists, authors, and journalists, the city's legacy spans diverse fields. Here is a list 30 notable people who were either born and raised in Rockford or have significant ties to the city. Profession: Archaeologist, Egyptologist, historianNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1865, Breasted was the first American to earn a Ph.D. in Egyptology from Yale in 1894. He founded the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute in 1919 with John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s support and coined the term 'Fertile Crescent.' His work on Egyptian tombs, including aiding Howard Carter's 1922–23 Tutankhamun excavation, popularized archaeology. Breasted's work is also believed to have partly inspired the movie character, Indiana Jones. He died in 1935 in New York and is buried in Rockford's Greenwood Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: Fashion designer, DJ, entrepreneurNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1980, Abloh became a global fashion icon as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear and the founder of Off-White. The first Black designer to lead a major fashion house, he collaborated with Nike and exhibited at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. Abloh died in 2021 from cancer. He was Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Boylan Catholic High School. Profession: Filmmaker, cinematographerNotable Achievements: Liu moved to Rockford at age 5 after immigrating from China. He went on to direct 2018's 'Minding the Gap,' a documentary he filmed in Rockford. The Oscar-nominated film, exploring skateboarding, abuse, and resilience, earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Liu has also worked on projects like 'All These Sons' (2021).Rockford Connection: Raised in Rockford from age 5, attended Rockford schools and Rock Valley College. Profession: BoxerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1904, Mandell, known as the 'Rockford Flash,' won the World Lightweight Boxing Championship in 1926 at age 22, defeating Rocky Kansas at Chicago's Comiskey Park. With 28 knockouts in 168 rights, Mandell was inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame in 1962. He also ran a gym in Rockford. He died in 1967 at the age of Connection: Born and raised in Rockford and trained locally. Profession: ActorNotable Achievements: Born in Los Angeles in 1946 but raised in Rockford, Saint James earned Emmy nominations for 'McMillan & Wife' (1971–76) and 'Kate & Allie' (1984–89). She won an Emmy for 'The Name of the Game' (1969) and starred in films like 'Love at First Bite' (1979). A three-time Golden Globe nominee, she later became a Connection: Raised in Rockford and attended Rockford schools. Profession: ActorNotable Achievements: Born in Chicago in 1959, Quinn lived in Rockford while his father taught English literature at Rock Valley College. Quinn is known for his roles in 'Desperately Seeking Susan' (1985), 'Benny & Joon' (1993), and 'Legends of the Fall' (1994), he also starred in 'Elementary' and 'Law & Order: SVU.'Rockford Connection: Lived in Rockford and attended Rockford Public Schools. Profession: Actor, voice actor, singerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1961, Benson is best known as the voice of Ariel in Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' (1989) and its sequels. She voiced Barbie in 'Toy Story 2″ and Toy Story 3' and earned Tony and Helen Hayes nominations for Broadway's 'Crazy for You.' Her other work includes 'Thumbelina' (1994) and 'Enchanted' (2007).Rockford Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Boylan Central Catholic High School. Profession: Professional basketball playerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1994, VanVleet won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and became an All-Star in 2022. An undrafted player out of Wichita State, VanVleet graduated from Auburn High School, where he was a four-year star for the Knights. He now plays for the Houston Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Auburn High School. Profession: Singer, actorNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1979, Williams joined Destiny's Child in 2000, contributing to hits like 'Survivor.' A graduate of Auburn High School's Creative and Performing Arts program, she released the gospel album 'Heart to Yours' (2002) and the pop album 'Unexpected' (2008). She also starred in Broadway's 'Aida.'Rockford Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, attended Auburn High School. Profession: Actor, singerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1960, Mazzie was a Tony-nominated Broadway star for 'Passion'(1994), 'Ragtime' (1998), and 'Kiss Me, Kate' (1999). Known for her powerful soprano voice, she appeared in 'Next to Normal' and 'Bullets Over Broadway.' She died in Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: Actor, director, producerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1962, Mantello won Tony Awards for directing 'Take Me Out' (2003) and 'Assassins' (2004). He earned a Tony nomination for acting in Angels in America (1993) and directed Broadway hits like 'Wicked.'Rockford Connection: Born in Rockford. Profession: PoliticianNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1922, Anderson served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois (1961–81) and ran as an independent in the 1980 presidential election, earning 6.6% of the vote. Known for his progressive Republican views, he's a significant figure in Rockford's political history. Anderson died in Connection: Lifelong resident of Rockford. Profession: Astronaut, engineerNotable Achievements: Born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1956, Voss grew up in Rockford and flew on five NASA Space Shuttle missions, logging over 18 million miles in space. She contributed to International Space Station experiments and earned degrees from Purdue and MIT. She died in Connection: Raised in Rockford during childhood. Profession: Rock bandNotable Achievements: Formed in Rockford in 1974, Cheap Trick achieved global fame with hits like 'Surrender,' 'I Want You to Want Me,' and 'Dream Police.' The band's original members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. They've sold over 20 million records and remain a Rockford cultural Connection: Formed in Rockford. All members of the band except Robin Zander were born in the Forest City. Zander was born in Beloit and raised in Loves Park. Profession: Politician, educatorNotable Achievements: Born in Evanston, Illinois, in 1939, Martin taught in Rockford Public Schools and served on the Winnebago County Board. As a U.S. Representative (1981–91) and U.S. Secretary of Labor under George H.W. Bush, she was the first woman in a congressional leadership role as vice chairwoman of the House Republican Connection: Taught school and served in local government in Rockford. Profession: ActorNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1974, Busker starred as a child actor in the 1987 film 'Big Shots' alongside Darius McCrary. At 13, he traveled to cities like New York and New Orleans to promote the movie, earning attention for his natural, unpolished charm. He had no prior acting experience beyond a school play before landing the role after an audition in Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: Actress, modelNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1962, Ginger Lynn became a prominent actress in the 1980s adult film industry, later transitioning to mainstream roles in 'Young Guns II' (1990) and 'Metallica: The Videos' (1989).Rockford Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Graduated from Rockford West High School. Profession: Actor, musicianNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1968, Wallem is best known for playing Thor Lundgren in 'Nurse Jackie' (2009–15). A stage actor and cabaret performer, he's also part of the punk rock parody band Ambulance LTD. He graduated from Guilford High Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: Sports executiveNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1951, Sund served as general manager for NBA teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks. He contributed to the Mavericks' early success and was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2004. He died in Connection: Born in Rockford. Profession: Comedian, actressNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1974, Leggero is a stand-up comedian and actress known for roles in 'Another Period' (2015–18) and 'Chelsea Lately.' Her other work includes her comedy special 'Live at Bimbo's' (2015), and voice work in 'Ugly Americans.'Rockford Connection: Born in Rockford. Leggero graduated from Rockford East High School. Profession: Professional kickboxerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1962, Hefton, known as 'Bad Brad,' was a Professional Karate Association (PKA) World Super Heavyweight kickboxing champion and named ESPN's Face of Kickboxing in the 1980s. He won titles in multiple organizations (PKA, PKC, ISKA, BKC) and was inducted into the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2014 alongside trainer and fellow Rockford native John Monczak. A memorable fight saw Hefton battle Vitali Klitschko in 1993 with a broken arm for eight rounds. He also appeared the film 'Blackbelt' (1992).Rockford Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: AuthorNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1965, Roby is a New York Times bestselling author of 28 books, including the 'Reverend Curtis Black' series, starting with 'Casting the First Stone' (2000). Blending faith and drama, Her novels have sold over 3 million copies, earning her multiple awards, including the 2013 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. She was honored at Rockford's 2017 African-American History Month Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Auburn High School. Profession: Pastor, authorNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1957, Ortberg is a prominent evangelical pastor and author of bestselling books like 'The Life You've Always Wanted' (1997) and 'Soul Keeping' (2014). He served as senior pastor of Menlo Church in California and wa on staff at Willow Creek Community Church near Connection: Born in Rockford, attended Rockford schools. Profession: SportscasterNotable Achievements: Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, in 1980, Briscoe (née Manske) grew up in Roscoe. An ESPN anchor since 2008, she co-hosts 'SportsCenter' and covers NASCAR, earning recognition for her engaging style. She competed in the 1998 Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant representing Roscoe. Briscoe started working as a reporter at WREX in the late 1990s while she attended Northern Illinois Connection: Raised in Roscoe, attended Hononegah High School in Rockton. Profession: ActressNotable Achievements: Born in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1922, Hale grew up in Rockford and graduated from Rockford High School. Best known for playing Della Street in 'Perry Mason,' (1957–66), she won an Emmy in 1959 and earned two Golden Globe nominations. She also appeared in films like 'The Window' (1949) and 'Airport' (1970). Hale died in Connection: Raised in Rockford, graduated from Rockford High School. Profession: Professional football playerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1994, Lowry played defensive end for the Green Bay Packers from (2016-22), appearing in 96 games and recording 147 tackles. A standout at Boylan Catholic High School and Northwestern University, he won back-to-back state championships with Boylan. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Boylan Catholic High School. Profession: Professional football playerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1998, Robinson, a running back, set the NFL record in 2020 for most scrimmage yards by an undrafted rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A star at Rockford Lutheran High School and Illinois State University, he set Illinois high school records for rushing yards and touchdowns. He has also played for the New York Jets and Green Bay Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Rockford Lutheran High School. Profession: Composer, pianistNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 2001, Bear is a child prodigy pianist and composer who performed at Carnegie Hall at age 6. She received the 2008 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and composed for Disney's 'Winnie the Pooh' (2011). Her albums, like 'Diversity' (2013), blend jazz and classical music. Bearand Abigail Barlow co-wrote and released an album inspired by the Netflix series 'Bridgerton', titled 'The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,' which won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: NASCAR Crew Chief Notable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1971, Knaus guided Jimmie Johnson to seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, including five consecutive titles (2006–10). With 81 career wins as a crew chief, he's considered one of NASCAR's greatest minds. He serves as vice president of competition for Hendrick Motorsports and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: Journalist, Fox News correspondentNotable Achievements: Born in Palatine, Illinois, in 1991, McAdams worked as a lead reporter and weekend anchor at WTVO/WQRF-TV in Rockford from January 2014 to 2015, covering sports and local news. A Fox News correspondent based in New York City since October 2021, she has reported several major news events like the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, the 2022 Ottawa trucker protests, and the 2024 UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination manhunt. She previously worked at WLS-TV in Chicago and WXIN in Indianapolis, earning the 2012 Illinois Student Silver Dome Award for Best Connection: Worked as a reporter and anchor at WTVO/WQRF-TV in Rockford from 2014 to 2015. Profession: Journalist, foreign policy expertNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1970, Nauert served as U.S. State Department Spokesperson (2017–19) and Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (2018–19). A former Fox News anchor, she was nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 2018 but withdrew. She joined the Hudson Institute as a senior fellow in 2019, focusing on U.S. foreign policy. Nauert holds an M.A. in Journalism from Columbia Connection: Born in Rockford, graduated from Keith Country Day School. Profession: Basketball coach, former playerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1955, Kent was a Parade Magazine All-American and IHSA All-State basketball player at Rockford West High School. He played college basketball at Oregon and coached at Oregon (1997–2010) and Washington State (2014–19), earning Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors five times. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Rockford West High School. Profession: Professional football player, coach Notable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1977, Polk was a linebacker for the San Diego Chargers (2001–06) and Dallas Cowboys (2007–08). He was drafted in the fourth round out of Nebraska. He won a national championship with Nebraska in 1997 and later coached at Grossmont College and with NFL teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Polk is currently the assistant special teams coach for the Cowboys, his second stint as a coach with the Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, attended Guilford High School. Profession: Professional Football PlayerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1953, Latin played as a running back for the St. Louis Cardinals (1975–78) and briefly for the Los Angeles Rams (1978). A standout at Northern Illinois University, he rushed for 1,609 yards in his NFL career and was named to NIU's All-Century Team in 1999. Latin died on Feb. 19, Connection: Born in Arkansas and raised in Rockford. Latin graduated from Rockford East High School. Profession: JournalistNotable Achievements: Bair worked as a news anchor and TV reporter in Rockford, contributing to local news coverage. Rockford Connection: Worked at WREX-TV in Rockford from 1993 to 1994. Who did we miss? Let us know and we will add them to the list! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Special item returns to Wetherspoon pubs for Father's Day
Wetherspoon pubs in Wiltshire are bringing back a special menu item for Father's Day weekend. The Savoy in Regent Street, The Sir Daniel Arms in Fleet Street, and The Dockle Farmhouse in Bridge End Road will be serving the Brunch Burger from Friday, June 13, until Sunday, June 15. The burger is made with a 6oz British beef patty, American-style cheese, maple-cured bacon, a free-range fried egg, and a British potato hash brown. Read more: Swindon restaurant to reopen after blaze forced diners to flee It will be served with chips, six beer-battered onion rings, and a choice of more than 150 drinks, including regional craft beers. For those choosing a soft or non-alcoholic drink, the meal costs £9.99, while opting for an alcoholic drink will see the price rise to £11.52. Kelly Wood, manager of The Savoy, said: "I am confident that the pub's customers will welcome the return of the Brunch Burger for three days to mark Father's Day weekend." The burger will be available for three days only.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Addresses DUI Arrest: ‘I Make No Excuses'
Following her arrest last month for driving under the influence, four-time Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton said she takes 'full responsibility' for her actions. 'What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses,' she said in a statement to the Associated Press. 'To my family, friends and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.' More from Rolling Stone Macklemore's Seattle Home Robbed, Nanny Sprayed With Bear Mace 'How Much Does My Body Cost?': Sean Combs' Ex Faces Fiery Cross-Examination Lil Durk Denied Bail Again in Murder-for-Hire Case On Tuesday, Retton entered a no contest plea to driving under the influence stemming from the May incident and was fined $100, a standard for first-time, non-aggravated offenses, her attorney Edmund J. Rollo told the outlet. Retton was arrested in West Virginia on May 17 after police in Fairmont pulled her over following a report of a person driving a Porsche erratically. According to a criminal complaint, the former athlete smelled of alcohol, was slurring her words, and failed a field sobriety test. Officers also allegedly saw a wine container in the passenger seat. Retton was charged with 'driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs,' and released from custody after paying a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. At 16, Retton became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Retton has been retired for more than 30 years, having left after winning the American Cup all-around competition for the third time in 1985. In October 2023, the Dancing with the Stars alum was hospitalized in the ICU with a rare form of pneumonia. Retton previously detailed the severity of her illness in an interview with Today. 'This is serious, and this is life, and I'm so grateful to be here. I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support,' Retton shared. Best of Rolling Stone Every Super Bowl Halftime Show, Ranked From Worst to Best The United States of Weed Gaming Levels Up
