TV and radio host Wink Martindale, greatest identified for helming the game shows “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough,” has died, in response to reviews. He was 91.
The previous disc jockey, born Winston Conrad Martindale, died Tuesday in Rancho Mirage, California, whereas surrounded by his household, The Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Times reported. A reason behind loss of life was not given.
USA TODAY has reached out to a consultant for Martindale for remark.
Martindale, who beforehand hosted on the Memphis, Tennessee, station WHBQ, broke into the TV world with a internet hosting gig on the WHBQ-TV present “Mars Patrol,” a sci-fi collection for kids he led from 1953-1955.
After internet hosting the musical sport reveals “What’s This Tune?” and “Phrases and Music” for NBC, Martindale grew to become a family identify when he was chosen by CBS to go its blackjack-themed collection “Gambit” in 1972. He hosted the present’s unique run by 1976 and later emceed a Las Vegas spinoff on NBC from 1980-1981.
Martindale additionally hosted the CBS revival of the NBC trivia sport present “Tic-Tac-Dough” from 1978-1985. His different credit embrace “Excessive Rollers” and “Headline Chasers,” the latter of which he created and co-produced with fellow TV host Merv Griffin.
Martindale was married to Sandy Ferra, who beforehand dated singer Elvis Presley. Martindale was additionally pals with the rock icon, with Presley showing on the TV persona’s present “Teenage Dance Get together” in 1956.
Presley is “chargeable for my marrying Wink,” Ferra mentioned in a 2015 interview with Elvis Australia. “When (Martindale) mentioned he was from Tennessee, I assumed, ‘He should be a pleasant man,’ as a result of I liked the state, I liked all the blokes, I liked every part within the state of Tennessee as a result of Elvis was such an exquisite a part of my life.”
Other than his internet hosting prowess, Martindale scored a pop hit in 1959 together with his rendition of the recitation track “The Deck of Playing cards.” The track peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Scorching 100.
Martindale was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2006.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
