Merv Griffin

Merv Griffin

Deceased · Born: Jul 6, 1925 · Died: Aug 12, 2007

Personal Details

BornJul 6, 1925 San Mateo, California, USA
Parents
  • Mervyn Edward Griffin Sr.
  • Rita Elizabeth Robinson
Relatives
  • Charles Haid (Cousin)

Biography

Mervyn Edward Griffin, Jr., a remarkable American personality, made a lasting impact on the realms of television, music, and media, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

Born on July 6, 1925, Griffin's early life was marked by a fascination with the world of entertainment, which ultimately led him to pursue a career as a radio and big band singer.

As his luminescence continued to intensify, Griffin navigated his trajectory towards the silver screen, making numerous appearances in a diverse range of cinematic productions and taking to the illustrious Broadway stage, where his captivating presence left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

But it was during the transformative decade of the 1960s that Griffin truly etched his indelible stamp on the entertainment industry, a period marked by significant milestones and achievements.

During this pivotal era, Griffin took the reins as the charismatic host of his own groundbreaking talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, which rapidly evolved into a beloved and enduring staple of American television, captivating audiences nationwide with its unique blend of wit, wisdom, and infectious charm.

Merv Griffin's illustrious career extended far beyond his role as a charismatic talk show host, as he was also a visionary creator of game shows that left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Among his most notable achievements, Griffin is perhaps most famously associated with the development of several iconic programs that have become an integral part of American pop culture.

These innovative game shows, including the beloved Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Click, and Merv Griffin's Crosswords, not only brought Griffin significant financial rewards, but also solidified his position as a prominent entertainment business magnate.

Through his tireless efforts to create engaging and entertaining programming, Griffin left an enduring legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day, cementing his status as a pioneering force in the world of television and beyond.

Throughout the vast expanse of his storied life, Griffin's ingenious and pioneering spirit, coupled with his unwavering entrepreneurial zeal, garnered him a reputation of immense renown and admiration within the vibrant and ever-evolving realm of the entertainment industry.

As the years went by, his illustrious career became a testament to his boundless creativity, innovative thinking, and unrelenting passion, leaving an indelible mark that continues to reverberate throughout the industry to this very day.

His lasting impact on popular culture stands as a resounding tribute to his profound and lasting influence, a beacon that shines brightly, illuminating the path for generations of artists, creators, and innovators to follow in his footsteps.

Career

{"id":834,"title":"The Golden Girls","year":1991,"character":"Merv Griffin","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/the-golden-girls","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/5tc07nj98fq0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/5tc07nj98fq0.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls as Merv Griffin
{"id":7059,"title":"The Man with Two Brains","year":"1983","character":"The Elevator Killer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-man-with-two-brains","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/59pc97sbb5m0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/59pc97sbb5m0.jpg"},"released":1}
1983
The Man with Two Brains
The Man with Two Brains as The Elevator Killer
{"id":62600,"title":"Slapstick of Another Kind","year":"1982","character":"Anchorma","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/slapstick-of-another-kind-1982","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62600.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62600.jpg"},"released":1}
1982
{"id":25133,"title":"One-Trick Pony","year":"1980","character":"Acappella Singer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/one-trick-pony","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_25133.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_25133.jpg"},"released":1}
1980
One-Trick Pony
One-Trick Pony as Acappella Singer
{"id":26507,"title":"Two-Minute Warning","year":"1976","character":"Merv Griffin - National Anthem Singer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/two-minute-warning","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4mfvjl8kojk0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4mfvjl8kojk0.jpg"},"released":1}
1976
Two-Minute Warning
Two-Minute Warning as Merv Griffin - National Anthem Singer
{"id":32372,"title":"Inside Daisy Clover","year":"1965","character":"Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/inside-daisy-clover","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_32372.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_32372.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
Inside Daisy Clover
Inside Daisy Clover as Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited)
{"id":33697,"title":"The Boy from Oklahoma","year":"1954","character":"Steve","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-boy-from-oklahoma","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_33697.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_33697.jpg"},"released":1}
1954
{"id":67418,"title":"Phantom of the Rue Morgue","year":"1954","character":"Georges Brevert","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/phantom-of-the-rue-morgue","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67418.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67418.jpg"},"released":1}
Phantom of the Rue Morgue
Phantom of the Rue Morgue as Georges Brevert
{"id":82648,"title":"So This Is Love","year":"1953","character":"Buddy Nash","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/so-this-is-love","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82648.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82648.jpg"},"released":1}
1953
So This Is Love
So This Is Love as Buddy Nash
{"id":67824,"title":"Three Sailors and a Girl","year":"1953","character":"Sailor (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/three-sailors-and-a-girl","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67824.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67824.jpg"},"released":1}
Three Sailors and a Girl
Three Sailors and a Girl as Sailor (uncredited)
{"id":14179,"title":"Trouble Along the Way","year":"1953","character":"Football Broadcaster (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/trouble-along-the-way","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14179.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14179.jpg"},"released":1}
Trouble Along the Way
Trouble Along the Way as Football Broadcaster (voice)
{"id":14508,"title":"Cattle Town","year":"1952","character":"Governor's secretary","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cattle-town","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14508.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14508.jpg"},"released":1}
1952
Cattle Town
Cattle Town as Governor's secretary
{"id":272855,"title":"Faye","year":"2024","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/faye-2024","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_272855.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_272855.jpg"},"released":1}
2024
{"id":103844970,"title":"Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields","year":2023,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/pretty-baby-brooke-shields","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/1ktpnr9o0eo8.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/1ktpnr9o0eo8.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":217011,"title":"American Masters","year":"2022","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/american-masters-2022","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_217011.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_217011.jpg"},"released":1}
2022
{"id":205039,"title":"Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind","year":"2022","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jerry-lee-lewis-trouble-in-mind","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_205039.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_205039.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":204394,"title":"Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody","year":"2022","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/whitney-houston-i-wanna-dance-with-somebody","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/22pafr3j6n60.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/22pafr3j6n60.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":193193,"title":"Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation","year":"2021","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/truman-tennessee-an-intimate-conversation-2020","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_193193.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_193193.jpg"},"released":1}
2021
{"id":175872,"title":"My Darling Vivian","year":"2020","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/my-darling-vivian","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_175872.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_175872.jpg"},"released":1}
2020
{"id":138108,"title":"I Am Richard Pryor","year":"2019","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/i-am-richard-pryor","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_138108.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_138108.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
{"id":132717,"title":"Game Changers","year":"2018","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/game-changers-2018","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_132717.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_132717.jpg"},"released":1}
2018
{"id":130918,"title":"Whitney","year":"2018","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/whitney-2018","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6r9f9oh5psa0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6r9f9oh5psa0.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":142392,"title":"American Masters","year":"2016","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/american-masters-2016-3","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_142392.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_142392.jpg"},"released":1}
2016
{"id":108191,"title":"Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words","year":"2015","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ingrid-bergman-in-her-own-words","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_108191.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_108191.jpg"},"released":1}
2015
{"id":22193,"title":"Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic","year":"2013","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/richard-pryor-omit-the-logic","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4tc9kkp819n0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4tc9kkp819n0.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
{"id":47383,"title":"Trying to Get Good: The Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon","year":"2008","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/trying-to-get-good-the-jazz-odyssey-of-jack-sheldon","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_47383.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_47383.jpg"},"released":1}
2008
{"id":79387,"title":"Whitney Houston: The Greatest Hits","year":"2000","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/whitney-houston-the-greatest-hits","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_79387.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_79387.jpg"},"released":1}
2000
{"id":215337,"title":"Murder at the Cannes Film Festival","year":"2000","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/murder-at-the-cannes-film-festival","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_215337.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_215337.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":7572,"title":"The Lonely Guy","year":"1984","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-lonely-guy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7572.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7572.jpg"},"released":1}
1984
{"id":13181,"title":"The Seduction of Joe Tynan","year":"1979","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-seduction-of-joe-tynan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_13181.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_13181.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
{"id":81948,"title":"Hello Down There","year":"1969","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hello-down-there","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_81948.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_81948.jpg"},"released":1}
1969
{"id":166485,"title":"Will the Real Norman Mailer Please Stand Up?","year":"1968","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/will-the-real-norman-mailer-please-stand-up","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166485.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166485.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
{"id":103835476,"title":"The Merv Griffin Show","year":1962,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/the-merv-griffin-show","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103835476.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103835476.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
{"id":103844442,"title":"Jeopardy! Masters","year":"2023","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/jeopardy-masters","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103844442.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103844442.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":10383,"title":"Jeopardy!","year":"1984","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/jeopardy-us","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_10383.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_10383.jpg"},"released":1}
1984
Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! as Creator
{"id":9995,"title":"Wheel of Fortune","year":"1983","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/wheel-of-fortune-us","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_9995.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_9995.jpg"},"released":1}
1983
{"id":103831232,"title":"Wheel of Fortune","year":"1981","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/wheel-of-fortune","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103831232.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103831232.jpg"},"released":1}
1981