Wink Martindale, Iconic Host and Radio Pioneer, Dies

Wink Martindale, a legendary game show host and radio personality, passed away at the age of 91 in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by his family and wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale. Born Winston Conrad Martindale in Jackson, Tennessee, he began his broadcasting career at age 17 and became a household name through shows like Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit, and High Rollers. Martindale also played a pivotal role in rock 'n' roll history by helping coordinate Elvis Presley's first radio interview in 1954. Over his seven-decade career, he hosted numerous game shows and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. While no cause of death has been announced, his contributions to television and radio have left a lasting legacy. Martindale is survived by his wife, sister, three daughters, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.