The television world lost an absolute legend this week, and fans were saddened and shocked at the news.

According to NBC News, TV game show king Wink Martindale, the host of several popular game shows, has died. He was 91.

Martindale was best known for hosting "Gambit" and "Tic-Tac-Dough," as well as "What's This Song?" "Debt" and "Instant Recall."

It was reported that Martindale had been battling lymphoma for at least a year, and was reportedly hanging in there up until a few weeks ago.

What happened?

Martindale's publicist Brian Mayes confirmed that the TV icon died at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, on Tuesday, confirming that his health seemed to take a turn a few weeks back.

He was famous for a number of hit game shows, and was probably mostly well known for hosting "Gambit."

NBC News noted:

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,” Martindale wrote in his 2000 memoir “Winking at Life.” “Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack.”

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

Martindale was widely known for his TV game show stardom and built up quite the global fanbase as a result.

He credited his on-screen success to his experience being a radio DJ for many years, during which he said he had to learn to ad-lib and handle nearly any situation that would arise.

Social media reacts

Tributes and well-wishes to his family poured in across social media, from fans across the globe and those who followed him for decades.

"Game show hosts often don’t get the credit they deserve for the talent they have. They constantly adlib, have to maintain timing, keep the integrity of the game, and make everything entertaining. Mr. Martindale was one of the best at it," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "We will miss you Wink. Thank you for everything you did for the Game Show world. A true icon. RIP"

Clearly, Martindale's legacy will live on for a very long time.