Iconic video game show host Wink Martindale passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91 after a fight with cancer.
Martindale’s signature Brian Mays has seen beloved hosts of beloved classic game shows such as “High Roller,” “TIC-TAC-DOUGH,” and “GAMBIT,” suffering from lymphoma for about a year, and seemed to be on track until just before his death. According to TMZ. His health fell two weeks before he passed away at Mirage, an urban farm in Southern California. The outlet reported that his wife Sandra and his loved ones were with him when they passed away.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – February 28: Producer/Game Show Host Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale arrives for Norby Walters’ 26th Night 100 Star Oscar Viewing at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which will be held in Beverly Hills, CA on February 28, 2016. (Photo: Paul Redmond/Wireimage) Getty Images
According to TMZ, Winston Conrad-born Martindale began his entertainment career in Memphis in the early 1950s.
He was hired at WHBQ when he first featured Elvis Presley’s debut hit, “That’s All Right,” in 1954, and is believed to have invited Presley to the station for his first interview.
Video game show host Wink Martindale and his wife Sandy arrive on the red carpet for the 50th anniversary birthday bash for the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 3, 2010 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. AFP Photos/Mark Ralston (Photo credits should read Mark Ralston/AFP on Getty Images)
Johnny Grant, Hollywood Mayor, Wink Martindale, Leron Gubler (Photo: Michael Tran/Film Magic) Getty Images
The two became lifelong friends. Martindale paid tribute to his friends by directing a radio show that was first introduced to his wife through Presley and aired nationwide in the honor of a famous singer when he died.
Martindale moved to a radio station in Los Angeles and on television, where he said, “What is this song?” in 1964.
(LR) Actor Tony Danza, singer Carol Bayer Sager, actor James Kern, singer Jane Morgan, game show host Wink Martindale, actress Sharon Stone and music producer Barry Gordy Jr. will be presenting the announcement of Morgan’s star on May 6, 2011 at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California. AFP Photo/Valerie Macon (Photo credits must read Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images)
Many of his hosting credits include “Headline Chaser,” “A Trivial Tracking,” “The Last Word,” and “The Great Getaway Game.”
Martindale was honored for his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Memphis also praised him on Beale Street. (Related: ‘Blondie’ drummer Clem Burke Dead at 70)
Wink is survived by his 49-year-old wife, Sandra, three daughters and multiple grandchildren.
