Talk Show Pioneer Merv Griffin Dead

Known for breaking boundaries in daytime television with his eponymous The Merv Griffin Show, and for creating two of the most enduring game shows in broadcast history, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, entertainer and entrepreneur Merv Griffin died Sunday, succumbing to prostate cancer. He was 82.

The talk show host began his career in 1948 as a big band singer, the crooner behind the hit song I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Cocoanuts. Success pushed him into the television business, and Griffin drew smiles as a game show host and guest host for Jack Paar on The Tonight Show.

Many thought Griffin would succeed Paar, but that job went to Johnny Carson. Instead, Griffin slid behind the desk of his own daytime talk show. The Merv Griffin Show debuted in 1965 and ran – in fits and starts – for 21 years, ending in 1986.

Former talk show host Rosie O’Donnell and current host Ellen DeGeneres have mentioned The Merv Griffin Show as inspiration with regard to how they approach their programs.

Though his talk show was influential and his fame great, Griffin’s financial success came through the creation of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Griffin invested the money made from those programs in real estate.

Griffin was married once, to Julann Elizabeth Wright. The couple divorced. They had one son.

Griffin’s funeral will take place in Beverly Hills.

• Bio Brief: Merv Griffin

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