Local & Community
Game Show Legend Wink Martindale Dies at 91 in Rancho Mirage
RANCHO MIRAGE (CNS) - Wink Martindale, who became one of the most well-
known and recognized television game show hosts of his generation by
helming programs such as ``Tic-Tac-Dough,'' ``High Rollers'' and ``Trivial
Pursuit,'' died today at age 91.
According to a statement from his family, Martindale died in Rancho
Mirage ``surrounded by his family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra
Martindale.''
No cause of death was given.
Born Winston Conrad Martindale in Tennessee in 1933, Martindale
started working as a disc jockey in Jackson, Tennessee, at age 17, then moved
on to WHBQ in Memphis. He he made some rock n' roll history by helping to
arrange for Elvis Presley to visit the station and give his first-ever radio
interview after it played the singer's debut record ``That's All Right'' in
1954.
Martindale moved to Los Angeles in 1959, working at KHJ radio, then
taking over the morning show at KRLA and eventually KFWB radio. He also had
stints at stations including KGIL, KKGO, KMPC, KABC and KJQI.
He made his first foray into television while still in Memphis,
leading the children's show ``Mars Patrol'' and later ``Teenage Dance Party,''
on which Presley also appeared in 1956.
But he scored his first major gig by hosting NBC's ``What's This
Song?'' in 1964. That led to more than 20 other hosting gigs, including shows
such as ``Words and Music,'' ``Gambit,'' ``The Last Word,'' ``Instant Recall''
and, most notably, ``Tic-Tac-Dough,'' which he hosted for about a decade,
ending in 1985.
After leaving that program, he helped create and produce the game show
``Headline Chasers'' in association with Merv Griffin, although the show
was short-lived.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006, and flowers
will be placed on the star Tuesday evening in his memory.
Martindale is survived by his wife Sandra, sister Geraldine, daughters
Lisa, Lyn and Laura, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
By: thomas.gallegos@entravision.com
April 15, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com
NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager
“WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?” Why won’t CVUSD just open the books? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #cvusd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🌧️ Flash flooding swept across parts of the Coachella Valley overnight, leaving vehicles stranded and roads closed. CHP and emergency crews responded as water, rocks and debris impacted roadways in Indio Hills and along Dillon Road. Drivers in that area are urged to use alternate routes.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Who’s your baseball team?
Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to take a plea deal in the murder case of 17 year old T’Neya Tovar. Under the plea deal obtained by the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, Feinbloom will plead guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. According to court records, he is also expected to assist law enforcement in finding the rest of the victim’s remains. Our @newsbyalondra will be inside the courtroom for his official sentencing Tuesday, September 29th with the very latest.
“Of you can’t find things out as a Board President… then what are they hiding?” Why is the elected board president being blocked from financial records? Drop your thoughts below👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #coachella #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
After AB 1145 (also known as Tristin’s Bill) was signed into law, NBC Palm Springs @maria_nvtv is giving more information about the law and what this means for the future of transportation in California #Highway74 #RoadSafety #CoachellaValley #Anza #RiversideCounty
Pregame update from Tim O’Brien ahead of tonight’s preseason matchup between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Ontario Reign. Tim has the latest from Acrisure Arena as the Firebirds get set for tonight’s game. UPDATE: Firebirds #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #OntarioReign #AHL #Hockey PalmSprings CoachellaValley