Television Legend Merv Griffin Passes Away
Game and Talk Show Giant Passes Away at 82
Entertainment legend Merv Griffin passed away Sunday morning, August 12, following a second bout with prostate cancer, which he was originally diagnosed with in 1996. While older generations are likely very acquainted with Griffin’s start in show business as first a singer in the 1940s, and then a television actor in the 1950s, and finally the popular host of the enduring Merv Griffin Show—a program that ran intermittently for almost 25 years, starting in 1962—younger generations are probably most aware of his contributions to television history as the creator of the long-running game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
Griffin was also a very successful businessman, particularly in real estate, which added to his considerable wealth that included $250 million from the 1986 sale of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune to Coca-Cola. He is survived by one son, Anthony, two grandchildren, and untold pleasant memories that fans will likely enjoy for years to come.
Merv Griffin photo courtesy of Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
