Wink Martindale, the popular game show host who rose to prominence in the 1970s, died on April 15, 2025. He was 91. As fans of Martindale mourn the loss and honor him and his career, we’ve gathered all the facts about his life, career and cause of death below.
Wink Martindale’s Game Shows
Martindale is best remembered for hosting the shows Gambit, Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers and Debt. The Tennessee native hosted Gambit from 1972 to 1976, Tic-Tac-Dough from 1978 to 1985, High Rollers from 1987 to 1988 and Debt from 1996 to 1998.
What Is Wink Martindale’s Real Name?
Martindale was born as Winston Conrad and stuck to his nickname, “Wink,” while he rose to fame. During a November 2014 interview with ABC News, the late Tic-Tac-Dough host explained where he got his stage name.
“When I was a kid in Jackson, Tennessee, one of my playmates, Jimmy McCord, couldn’t say ‘Winston,’ which is my given name, and he had a speech impediment and it came out sounding like ‘Winky,’” Martindale explained at the time. “So, Winston turned into Winky, and then I got into the business. and Wink [it was]! It served me well, and I just kept Wink all these years.”
How Did Wink Martindale Die?
Though no cause of death was initially given when news broke of his death, Martindale died following a battle with lymphoma, according to TMZ. The outlet reported on April 15 that he had been battling the disease for around one year, and his rep, Brian Mayes, said he was “doing well.” However, about two weeks before he died, Martindale “took a turn for the worse” and was hospitalized for treatment.
RIP Wink Martindale.
I met Wink at Casey Kasem’s memorial in 2014. I told him my mother in law was on Tic Tac Dough, and still uses the cast iron pan she won.
In full game show voice, he said you Danny, we really did have some fabulous gifts and prizes. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/UTE7CBPn2T
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) April 15, 2025
Was Wink Martindale Married?
Yes, Martindale was married to his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Martindale. They wed in 1975 and were together up until his death in April 2025. In a public statement shared by a Martindale family spokesperson, the late game show host died “surrounded by family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale.”
Previously, Martindale was married to his ex-wife, Madelyn Leech, from 1954 to 1972.
Did Wink Martindale Have Kids?
Yes, Martindale was a father to three daughters: Lisa, Lyn and Laura. He also had an “honorary” son named Eric, per CNN.
Wink Martindale’s Health
Throughout his life, Martindale seemed to be in good health. He even explained to ABC News in 2014 how his wife, Sandra, helped him maintain his physique and condition.
“I don’t over-drink. I drink a little wine, that’s it,” he said at the time. “I don’t smoke. And we take vitamins. But I’ve always attributed it to her!”
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