Merv Griffin – The man behind the game
Wheel of Fortune creator Merv Griffin is undoubtedly a living legend in the game show world. The 81 year old California native has done it all and boasts a list of achievements as long as your arm! A talk show host, actor, singer , television personality and executive there was little left for Griffin to do when he retired.
He initially came to fame as a singer in the 50s with hits such as the hilarious ‘I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts’ which went to number 1 in America and sold over three million copies worldwide.
Moving into the world of cinema he starred in such films as ‘So this is Love’ (1953) and his open-mouthed kiss with Kathryn Grayson in this very film was the first such shown in theatres.
After considerable success with the Jeopardy game show which he launched in the 60s and early 70s Griffin decided in early 75 that the time was right for a new fresh, dynamic and rewarding game show to capture the Television audience.
And so the ‘Wheel of fortune’ was born. An instant hit it is now the longest running syndicated game show in American television history.
Griffin’s rollercoaster life in many ways mirrors the game show he loves so well. At one moment he’s on top of the world but just as quick things aren’t going as planned.
At one time the richest Hollywood performer in history Griffin owns a ranch near Carmel, California where he raises thoroughbred racehorses and closer to home St. Clerans Manor, an 18th century estate in Galway, Ireland.
Griffin was a pallbearer at the funeral of President Ronal Reagan last year.
An intriguing workaholic Merv Griffin is the biggest winner the Wheel of Fortune ever produced with a personal fortune estimated to be at about $ 400 million.
Written by: Graham Clifford