Legendary Game Show Host Wink Martindale Dead At 91

Iconic TV game show host Wink Martindale died Tuesday at the age of 91 following a battle with cancer.

Martindale’s representative Brian Mayes said the beloved host of classic game shows including “High Rollers,” “Tic-Tac-Dough” and “Gambit” suffered from lymphoma for approximately a year and seemed to be doing well until just before his death, according to TMZ. His health declined two weeks before he died in the Southern California city of Ranch Mirage. The outlet reported that his wife Sandra and his loved ones were with him when he passed away.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Producer/game show host Winston Conrad “Wink” Martindale arrives at Norby Walters’ 26th Annual Night Of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 28, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Paul Redmond/WireImage) Getty Images

Martindale, born Winston Conrad, began his career in entertainment as a radio DJ in Memphis in the early 1950s, according to TMZ.

He was employed with WHBQ when the station was the first to feature Elvis Presley’s debut hit, “That’s All Right” in 1954 and is believed to have called Presley in to the station for his first-ever interview.

Television game show host Wink Martindale and wife Sandy arrive on the red carpet for the 50th anniversary birthday bash for the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on November 3, 2010. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Johnny Grant, Honorary Mayor of Hollywood, Wink Martindale and Leron Gubler (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic) Getty Images

The two ended up lifelong friends. Martindale was first introduced to his wife through Presley and paid tribute to his friend by conducting a nationally broadcast radio show in the famous singer’s honor when he passed away.

Martindale moved on to Los Angeles radio stations, then shifted to television, where he took his first game show hosting job on “What’s This Song?” in 1964.

(L-R) Actor Tony Danza, Singer Carole Bayer Sager, actor James Caan, singer Jane Morgan, game show host Wink Martindale, actress Sharon Stone and music producer Barry Gordy Jr attend the unveiling of Morgan’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 6, 2011, in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO/VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

His many hosting credits include “Headline Chasers,” “Trivial Pursuit,” “The Last Word” and “The Great Getaway Game.”

Martindale was honored with his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Memphis also honored him on Beale Street. (RELATED: ‘Blondie’ Drummer Clem Burke Dead At 70)

Wink is survived by Sandra, his wife of 49 years, their three daughters and multiple grandchildren.