If classic TV game shows were a part of your life, the loss of legendary host Wink Martindale will probably hit you right in the feels. The icon died on April 15 at age 91. Even if you didn’t watch Wink live, shows like Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit, and High Rollers played in heavy rotation on the Game Show Network for decades. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wink spent 74 years in the business. His voice was like no other, and Wink made an impression with his giant smile, spiffy sports coats, and a coif with nary a hair out of place. According to a release obtained by CNN, Wink Martindale began his career as a radio DJ in Memphis at age 17 and even befriended Elvis Presley. The entire Game Show Network family mourns the loss of Wink Martindale, the host of the original "Tic-Tac-Dough" and a true legend of television game shows. His charm and presence lit up the screen for generations of viewers and he will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/DNqLToCv5r— Game Show Network (@GameShowNetwork) April 15, 2025 Wink Martindale Came By His Unique Name In A Sweet Way Wink Martindale told ABC News in 2014 that his birth name was Winston, but a friend had difficulty pronouncing it, and it sounded like Winky. “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,” he said. The Game Show Network paid tribute to Wink in a post on X. The network wrote, “The entire Game Show Network family mourns the loss of Wink Martindale, the host of the original “Tic-Tac-Dough” and a true legend of television game shows. His charm and presence lit up the screen for generations of viewers and he will never be forgotten.” Glen Scarpelli shared a kind message about Wink Martindale on Facebook. He wrote, “We lost one the greats today… the incredible Wink Martindale. I feel Wink and his beautiful wife Sandy are like “in laws” to me because John has been family to them for so long. Our hearts are so heavy today. We honor and remember all the years of joy this man brought to Game Shows… and to our lives specifically. What a gift of friendship. Our love and support is with Sandra Martindale and their entire family. We love you, Sandy. And will forever love Wink and hold him in our hearts.” This story’s featured image is by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty. The post Hollywood Mourns Icon Who Died After 74 Years In Show Business appeared first on InspireMore.