Merv Griffin was an American television host, producer, and media mogul. He was born on July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, California. Griffin had a successful career spanning several decades and made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Griffin started his career as a singer, performing in nightclubs and on Broadway. He later transitioned to television and became best known as the creator and host of “The Merv Griffin Show,” a popular talk show that aired from 1962 to 1986. The show featured interviews with celebrities, musicians, and other notable figures, and it became one of the longest-running talk shows in the United States.
Apart from hosting, Griffin also ventured into producing television shows. He created and produced the game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” which have become two of the most successful and enduring game shows in American television history. Both shows continue to be on the air today.
Griffin was not only involved in television but also had interests in the hotel industry. In the late 1980s, he purchased several luxury hotels, including the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. He later sold his hotel holdings for a significant profit.
Merv Griffin received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including multiple Emmy Awards. He was known for his friendly and engaging hosting style, as well as his entrepreneurial skills. Griffin passed away on August 12, 2007, at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Merv Griffin was considered a closeted gay man
Merv Griffin never admitted that he was gay while he was alive. It was only after he died that people found out about his sexuality.
In an interview with The New York Times on May 26, 2005, Griffin mentioned a joke he used to make when asked about his personal life: “I tell everyone that I’m a quarter-sexual. I would do anything with anyone for a quarter.” Other than that, he kept his private life secret.
After Griffin died, The Hollywood Reporter published a report stating that he was a gay man who kept his sexuality hidden. However, the article was changed later because his friends and business associates protested.
In showbiz culture, and maybe even in wider America, it was widely known that Merv had a secret gay life. This became more public in 1991 when he was involved in two lawsuits: one by “Dance Fever” host Denny Terrio, accusing him of sexual harassment, and another by his assistant Brent Plott, who was seeking $200 million in support payments. Both lawsuits were eventually dismissed. However, at the time, Griffin said both lawsuits were attempts to extort money from him.
He was born in Irish Americans Family
Griffin was born to Mervyn Edward Griffin Sr., who worked as a stockbroker, and Rita Elizabeth Griffin (formerly Robinson), who was a homemaker. He had an older sister named Barbara.
When Griffin was a child, he used to play a game called Hangman with his sister while their family went on road trips. These games sparked his idea to create the popular game show called Wheel of Fortune in 1975.
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The Griffin family was of Irish American descent. Griffin grew up as a Catholic and started singing in his church choir as a young boy. During his teenage years, he began earning extra money by playing the organ at his church. His talent as a pianist played a role in his early career in the entertainment industry.
He is a Graduate of San Mateo High School
Griffin went to San Mateo High School and finished in 1942. He also helped in providing money for the school. After high school, he attended San Mateo Junior College and later the University of San Francisco. Griffin was part of a global fraternity called Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Griffin’s journey from a talented singer to a successful television host, producer, and entrepreneur
Merv Griffin was an iconic figure in the world of entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the television industry throughout his career.
His Career as a Vovalist/ Singer
Griffin’s career began in the 1940s as a vocalist, performing in various nightclubs and on radio shows. Griffin started as a singer on the radio at age 19, appearing on San Francisco Sketchbook, a nationally syndicated program based at KFRC.
His smooth voice and charming personality soon caught the attention of industry professionals, leading him to sign a contract with a major record label. During this time, he released several successful albums, further establishing his reputation as a talented singer.
Merv Career in Television
It was on television that Griffin truly made his mark. In 1958, he became the host of “The Merv Griffin Show,” a talk show that quickly gained popularity. Known for his affable demeanor and skillful interviewing style, Griffin welcomed a wide range of guests, including renowned actors, musicians, and political figures.
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The show became a staple of daytime television and remained on the air for over two decades, making it one of the longest-running talk shows in history.
His successful Career as a Producer
Griffin’s success as a television host opened doors for him to venture into producing. In 1964, he created the game show “Jeopardy!,” which went on to become one of the most beloved and enduring game shows of all time. With its unique format of providing answers to which contestants had to pose the correct questions, “Jeopardy!” captured the imagination of audiences and became a television phenomenon. Griffin’s keen understanding of audience engagement and his ability to create captivating formats propelled the show’s success, making it a household name for generations.
Not content with just one groundbreaking show, Griffin introduced another game show in 1975: “Wheel of Fortune.” Featuring a giant spinning wheel and word puzzles, the show quickly became a ratings hit. Much like “Jeopardy!,” “Wheel of Fortune” became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its blend of excitement and puzzle-solving.
His Career as an entrepreneur
Likewise, Apart from his achievements as a host and producer, Griffin also proved himself as a shrewd entrepreneur. He founded Merv Griffin Enterprises, a production company that not only produced his own shows but also developed other successful programs, including “Dance Fever” and “Crosswits.” His keen business acumen allowed him to build a media empire, establishing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the television industry.
Merv Griffin Legacy
Merv Griffin’s contributions to the entertainment industry earned him numerous accolades and honors. Griffin was honored by the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1974. On the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, a Golden Palm Star was dedicated to him in 1998. Griffin was posthumously admitted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2008 after receiving the honorary Doctor of Laws degree (honoris causa) from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2005.
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Even after his passing on August 12, 2007, Griffin’s legacy continues to thrive. “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” remain immensely popular, captivating audiences across the globe. His impact on the talk show and game show genres cannot be overstated, and his pioneering spirit and creative vision continue to shape the landscape of television.
He was a Billionar at the of his death
Merv Griffin, an American singer, actor, TV host, and media mogul was worth $1 billion at the time of his death. He started his professional career in radio, then joined a band and started acting in movies.
Merv Griffin was married twice
Griffin was married to Julann Wright from 1958 to 1976. Even after they got divorced, they stayed friends. They had a son named Tony Griffin in 1959, who had two children of his own.
Later in 1986, Griffin married Tricia Leigh Fisher, who was also a close friend of Julann. Griffin passed away in 2007, but they remained close.
Because of his marriages and children, Merv Griffin seemed to be attracted to the opposite gender, although some people believe that he was actually gay and used his marriages as a way to hide his true sexual orientation. However, most people still believe that he was straight, not gay.
