Wink Martindale, renowned for hosting hit game shows like 'Gambit' and 'Tic-Tac-Dough,' passed away at age 91 after a year-long battle with lymphoma. His publicist confirmed his death, noting he had been in relatively good health until recently. 'Gambit,' which he hosted from 1972 until 1976, innovatively simplified classic game mechanics. Despite its early success, it was ultimately overshadowed by 'Wheel of Fortune.' In 1978, Martindale returned to prominence with 'Tic-Tac-Dough,' where he celebrated significant winnings of contestants and expressed his enjoyment in hosting and changing lives.
"From the day it hit the air, 'Gambit' spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid."
"Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse," he wrote, reflecting on the success of 'Tic-Tac-Dough' after the cancellation of 'Gambit.'
"I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience and to a degree, watching lives change," Martindale shared about his passion for hosting.
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