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 "Merv" Griffin, Jr. was a multifaceted American personality who left an indelible mark on the world of television, music, and media. Born on July 6, 1925, Griffin's early career as a radio and big band singer laid the foundation for his subsequent forays into the world of entertainment.

As his star continued to rise, Griffin made his way to the silver screen, appearing in a series of films and taking to the Broadway stage. However, it was during the 1960s that Griffin truly made his mark on the entertainment industry. During this period, he hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, which became a staple of American television.

In addition to his work as a talk show host, Griffin was also a prolific creator of game shows. He is perhaps best known for his role in developing the iconic programs Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Click, and Merv Griffin's Crosswords. These shows not only brought Griffin financial success, but also cemented his status as an entertainment business magnate.

Throughout his life, Griffin's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive earned him widespread recognition and respect within the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to be felt to this day, and his impact on popular culture is a testament to his enduring influence.

Career

{"id":834,"title":"The Golden Girls","year":1991,"character":"Merv Griffin","permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/the-golden-girls","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/5tc07nj98fq0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/the-man-with-two-brains","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/59pc97sbb5m0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/slapstick-of-another-kind-1982","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62600.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62600.jpg"},"released":1}
1982
{"id":25133,"title":"One-Trick Pony","year":"1980","character":"Acappella Singer","permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/one-trick-pony","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_25133.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/two-minute-warning","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4mfvjl8kojk0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/inside-daisy-clover","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_32372.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/the-boy-from-oklahoma","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_33697.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/phantom-of-the-rue-morgue","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67418.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/so-this-is-love","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82648.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/three-sailors-and-a-girl","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67824.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/trouble-along-the-way","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14179.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/cattle-town","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14508.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/faye-2024","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_272855.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_272855.jpg"},"released":1}
2024
{"id":103844970,"title":"Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields","year":2023,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/pretty-baby-brooke-shields","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/1ktpnr9o0eo8.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/1ktpnr9o0eo8.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":217011,"title":"American Masters","year":"2022","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/american-masters-2022","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_217011.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/jerry-lee-lewis-trouble-in-mind","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_205039.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/whitney-houston-i-wanna-dance-with-somebody","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/22pafr3j6n60.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/truman-tennessee-an-intimate-conversation-2020","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_193193.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_193193.jpg"},"released":1}
2021
{"id":175872,"title":"My Darling Vivian","year":"2020","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/my-darling-vivian","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_175872.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_175872.jpg"},"released":1}
2020
{"id":138108,"title":"I Am Richard Pryor","year":"2019","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/i-am-richard-pryor","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_138108.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_138108.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
{"id":132717,"title":"Game Changers","year":"2018","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/game-changers-2018","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_132717.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_132717.jpg"},"released":1}
2018
{"id":130918,"title":"Whitney","year":"2018","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/whitney-2018","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6r9f9oh5psa0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6r9f9oh5psa0.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":142392,"title":"American Masters","year":"2016","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/american-masters-2016-3","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_142392.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/ingrid-bergman-in-her-own-words","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_108191.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_108191.jpg"},"released":1}
2015
{"id":22193,"title":"Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic","year":"2013","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/richard-pryor-omit-the-logic","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4tc9kkp819n0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/trying-to-get-good-the-jazz-odyssey-of-jack-sheldon","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_47383.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_47383.jpg"},"released":1}
2008
{"id":79387,"title":"Whitney Houston: The Greatest Hits","year":"2000","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/whitney-houston-the-greatest-hits","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_79387.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/murder-at-the-cannes-film-festival","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_215337.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_215337.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":7572,"title":"The Lonely Guy","year":"1984","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/the-lonely-guy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7572.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7572.jpg"},"released":1}
1984
{"id":13181,"title":"The Seduction of Joe Tynan","year":"1979","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/the-seduction-of-joe-tynan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_13181.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_13181.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
{"id":81948,"title":"Hello Down There","year":"1969","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/hello-down-there","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_81948.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/movie\/will-the-real-norman-mailer-please-stand-up","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166485.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166485.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
{"id":103835476,"title":"The Merv Griffin Show","year":1962,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/the-merv-griffin-show","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103835476.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103835476.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
{"id":103835476,"title":"The Merv Griffin Show","year":"1962","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/the-merv-griffin-show","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103835476.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103835476.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
{"id":103844442,"title":"Jeopardy! Masters","year":"2023","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/jeopardy-masters","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103844442.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103844442.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":10383,"title":"Jeopardy!","year":"1984","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/jeopardy-us","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_10383.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.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:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/wheel-of-fortune-us","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_9995.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_9995.jpg"},"released":1}
1983
{"id":103831232,"title":"Wheel of Fortune","year":"1981","job":"Creator","permalink":"https:\/\/streamtheatre.com\/us\/show\/wheel-of-fortune","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103831232.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamtheatre.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103831232.jpg"},"released":1}
1981