Entertainer and entrepreneur Merv Griffin died Sunday of prostate cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 82. His son, Malibu resident Tony Griffin, was by his side.
Born Mervyn Howard Griffin, the multitalented entrepreneur made his mark as a singer and a talk-show host, but went on to make millions as the creator of “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” The long running programs have become the most popular syndicated game shows in television history.
As a musician, Griffin also wrote the familiar theme music for “Jeopardy’s” final round, and the theme music for “Wheel of Fortune.”
Called the largest “one-man conglomerate,” he sold his Merv Griffin Enterprises to Coca-Cola for $250 million in 1986. He also purchased the Beverly Hilton Hotel for $100 million and spent another $25 million restoring the upscale landmark before selling it in 2003. He was reported to have had a net worth of $1.6 billion.
In addition to film, television production and real estate, Griffin had a stable of thoroughbreds that included 2005 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy.
He also pitched in with hosting duties during his son’s recent Malibu Wine Classic event in April.
Tony Griffin, who works as a writer and producer, said in a televised interview that his dad was always supportive of his career. “He really allowed me to do what was my passion,” Griffin said.
On the family front, he described his dad as a loving grandfather. “He adored his kids,” Griffin said. “Donovan Mervyn Griffin, who is 8, named after him, and Farah Christian Griffin, who is 12. He went to every single one of Farah’s plays … He went in May of this year when he was sick. It was hard on him and he sat through the whole thing.”
In 1958, Griffin married Julann Wright. Tony was born the following year. The couple divorced in 1976 and Griffin never remarried.
The legendary impresario worked almost until the end. He was in the first week of production on a new syndicated game show called “Merv Griffin’s Crosswords,” when he entered the hospital one month ago. Griffin, a self-described “word and puzzle freak,” said the on-going success of “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune” was his “biggest thrill.” He told the Hollywood Reporter in 2005, “They’re still there at the top of the ratings, they’ve never slipped. They’re timeless and ageless, and in the history of TV there has never been anything like them.”
In addition to his son, Tony, Griffin is survived by his daughter-in-law Tricia and his two grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Young Musicians Foundation, 195 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, Ca. 90212.