Legendary game show host Wink Martindale joined us in the FOX411 studio to discuss his long-lasting career, Pat Sajak's on-set mini-meltdown, and how he wants "Jeopardy's!" Alex Trebeck’s hosting gig.
FOX411: You’ve been hosting TV game shows for years. Is it the best job in the world or does it drive you slowly insane?
Wink Martindale: I feel so blessed because I’m doing something that I’ve wanted to do from the time I was old enough to know what a microphone was. I never wanted to be a policeman and I didn’t want to be a fireman or a doctor. I just wanted to be a radio announcer. I’m doing what I always wanted to do. It’s a great job.
FOX411: If you could host any game show today what would it be?
Martindale: There are two. My first choice would be 'The Price Is Right.' I love to play games, and of course they have the best of games and I think one of the top three game shows ever to be developed is 'Jeopardy!' I’ll give you the answer, you give me the question. I mean how simple could it be? Alex’s been doing a great job on it…been doing it over 30 years, and I would love to have his job.
FOX411: Pat Sajak had a mini-meltdown on set this week after a contestant made a dumb guess. Do you feel his pain?
Martindale: I’m just guessing now but he’s done that show for so long. I think there comes a time when you may be are not paying as close attention as you should as the host and I think that maybe he heard some answers from those people that just really set him off to the tune of, 'Why would they say that? That doesn’t even make sense.' I don’t think he was upset or mad. He got to the point where he didn’t want to put up with it anymore.
FOX411: What’s the dumbest thing a contestant ever did on one of your game shows?
Martindale: We had a Miss America week during 'Tic, Tac, Dough.' All of the contestants were Miss Americas. One of the questions was, 'There was a Broadway show that was a big hit. Was it 'Hello, Dolly,' 'Hello, San Francisco,' or 'Hello, Tilly?' And the girl said 'Hello Tilly.' And I thought where could they possible put up with that?
FOX411: What game show was the most fun to host?
Martindale: There were two. One was my first successful network show on CBS. It was a blackjack game where you tried to get to twenty-one without going over. It was called 'Gambit.' I guess the show that gave me the longest term of employment had to be the most fun but I think I had more fun doing, 'Tic, Tac, Dough' for ten years than any other show. I’m just sorry I never had the longevity of a 'Jeopardy!' that Alex has had or 'Wheel of Fortune' that Pat's had.
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