Date of Birth: July 6, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: August 12, 2007
Biography
Mervyn Edward “Merv” Griffin Jr. was an iconic American television host, singer, and media mogul. Born in San Mateo, California, Griffin’s career in entertainment began in the 1940s as a singer on radio stations and big bands. He gained fame as a singer with the Freddy Martin Orchestra and later had his own hit with the song “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts.” However, it was his work in television that cemented his place in entertainment history. Griffin created and hosted “The Merv Griffin Show,” which ran in various formats from 1962 to 1986. He was also the genius behind the creation of two of the most enduring game shows in television history, “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Griffin’s business acumen extended beyond television; he was a real estate mogul, owning the Beverly Hilton Hotel and other properties. Throughout his career, Griffin received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards. He was known for his charm, wit, and ability to connect with a wide array of guests on his talk show, making him a beloved figure in American entertainment.
5 Interesting Facts about Merv Griffin
1. Merv Griffin wrote the iconic “Jeopardy!” theme music, originally titled “A Time for Tony,” which he composed as a lullaby for his son.
2. He started his career as a singer and pianist, performing with the Freddy Martin Orchestra and later launching a successful solo career.
3. Griffin was a shrewd businessman, selling his game show rights to Coca-Cola’s Columbia Pictures Television for $250 million in 1986.
4. He owned several hotels, including the Beverly Hilton, and later developed a successful real estate portfolio.
5. Griffin was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Merv Griffin
1. “If you make the customer a promise, make sure you deliver it.”
2. “I refuse to believe that trading recipes is silly. Tuna fish casserole is at least as real as corporate stock.”
3. “There’s a fine line between a stream of consciousness and a babbling brook to nowhere.”
4. “I tell everybody that I don’t make shows for other people; I make them for me.”
5. “I’m a song and dance man.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Merv Griffin’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 billion.
Children
Merv Griffin had one child, a son named Anthony “Tony” Griffin, born in 1959.
Relevant Links
1. [Merv Griffin on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merv_Griffin
2. [Merv Griffin’s IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341238/
3. [Merv Griffin’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star](http://www.walkoffame.com/merv-griffin
4. [Biography of Merv Griffin on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/musician/merv-griffin
