TV host Wink Martindale, identified for 'Gambit' and 'Tic-Tac-Dough,' dies at 91: Stories – USA At the moment

TV and radio host Wink Martindale, greatest identified for helming the game shows “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough,” has died, based on stories. 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 sequence for youngsters he led from 1953-1955.
After internet hosting the musical recreation exhibits “What’s This Tune?” and “Phrases and Music” for NBC, Martindale turned a family title when he was chosen by CBS to go its blackjack-themed sequence “Gambit” in 1972. He hosted the present’s authentic run via 1976 and later emceed a Las Vegas spinoff on NBC from 1980-1981.
Martindale additionally hosted the CBS revival of the NBC trivia recreation present “Tic-Tac-Dough” from 1978-1985. His different credit embody “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 buddies with the rock icon, with Presley showing on the TV persona’s present “Teenage Dance Celebration” in 1956.
Presley is “liable for my marrying Wink,” Ferra mentioned in a 2015 interview with Elvis Australia. “When (Martindale) mentioned he was from Tennessee, I believed, ‘He have to be a pleasant man,’ as a result of I beloved the state, I beloved all the fellows, I beloved all the pieces 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 along with his rendition of the recitation tune “The Deck of Playing cards.” The tune 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

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