Who Is Merv Griffin? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Merv Griffin was an influential American talk show host, television producer, and media mogul, born on July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, California. He passed away on August 12, 2007, but his legacy continues to influence the entertainment industry. In 2025, Merv would have celebrated his 100th birthday if he were alive. Known for his charismatic personality and innovative approach to television, Griffin was the mastermind behind hit shows like "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune." His contributions to the television landscape have left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure in the history of entertainment.
| Occupation | Game Show Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1925 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | San Mateo, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 August, 2007 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Merv Griffin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Merv Griffin stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). Throughout his life, he maintained a healthy physique, showcasing the disciplined lifestyle of a performer. Although specific weight measurements fluctuate throughout his life, he was known for his well-groomed appearance, aligning with the glamour of 20th-century television.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Merv Griffin was married to Juliet Prowse from 1959 to 1971. They had a strong relationship that captured the public's interest. Although he dated several notable individuals during his lifetime, including celebrities like Elyse Knox and Cheryl Tiegs, his most talked-about relationship was with his long-time friend and former partner, Sandi Griffiths, with whom he shared a deep bond that lasted until his passing. Griffin's relationships reflected the glamorous yet complicated nature of love life in Hollywood.
Griffin created and produced the television game show Jeopardy!. In an Associated Press profile released prior to its debut, he explained the origins of the show: "My wife Julann just came up with the idea one day when we were in a plane bringing us back to New York from Duluth.
I was mulling over game show ideas, when she noted that there had not been a successful 'question and answer' game on the air since the quiz show scandals. Why not do a switch, and give the answers to the contestant and let them come up with the question.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2007, Merv Griffin's net worth was estimated to be around $1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in the entertainment world. His financial empire stemmed from not just his success on television, but also from smart business decisions, including ownership stakes in the lucrative game show franchises he created. In 2025, his legacy continues to influence future generations, as his earlier ventures still generate revenue.
An active desert resident and supporter of the La Quinta Arts Festival, Griffin owned the Merv Griffin Givenchy Resort & Spa in Palm Springs (later The Parker) and a ranch near La Quinta, California, where he raised thoroughbred racehorses. In County Galway, Ireland, he owned St.
Clerans Manor, a boutique hotel on an 18th-century estate previously owned by John Huston. In the 1980s, Griffin purchased the Paradise Island Resort and Casino in the Bahamas for $400 million from Trump, and later sold it for $125 million.
Griffin sold his empire to The Coca-Cola Company for $250 million in 1986 and subsequently focused on hotel acquisitions, with his wealth estimated at $1.2 billion in 2003.
Career, Business, and Investments
Merv Griffin's career spanned over five decades, during which he became a household name. Starting as a musician and bandleader in the 1940s, he transitioned into television in the 1960s with "The Merv Griffin Show," which quickly gained popularity. Besides hosting, Griffin was an astute producer, creating iconic game shows such as "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune." His entrepreneurial spirit led him to invest in real estate and other ventures, further solidifying his status as a media mogul.
Mervyn Edward Griffin Jr. (July 6, 1925 – August 12, 2007) was an American television show host and media mogul. He began his career as a radio and big band singer, later appearing in film and on Broadway. From 1962 to 1986, Griffin hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show. Griffin also created several game shows, including Jeopardy!
and Wheel of Fortune, through his production companies, Merv Griffin Enterprises and Merv Griffin Entertainment.
Social Network
Merv Griffin was celebrated for his warm demeanor and ability to connect with both celebrities and everyday people. Although social media was not a part of his professional world during his lifetime, his shows remain legendary in pop culture. Today, his legacy continues to be celebrated across various platforms, with social media tributes and fan pages dedicated to his memory, keeping his spirit alive.
In 1963, NBC offered Griffin the role of host for a new game show, Word for Word, which he also produced. He went on to produce additional game shows, including Let's Play Post Office for NBC in 1965, Reach for the Stars for NBC in 1967, and One in a Million for ABC in 1967.
Education
Merv Griffin attended San Francisco State University and is remembered for his natural charisma, which transcended formal education. He quickly gained real-world experience in the entertainment industry, showcasing that sometimes talent and hard work can be just as valuable as formal education.
Griffin graduated from San Mateo High School in 1942 and later contributed financially to the school. He attended San Mateo Junior College and then the University of San Francisco. Griffin was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
