Merv Griffin
Born July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, Calif., Merv Griffin began his career as a radio singer in the 1940s. By the time of his death (from prostate cancer, Aug. 12, 2007), he'd transcended his showbiz roots to conquer the world of high finance.As a youth, Griffin eschewed sports for the arts, beginning piano lessons at age 4 and putting on shows from his back porch. Attaining fame as a nightclub crooner, he made his entrée into films after Doris Day arranged a screen test for him.
After appearing in several movies (including 1953's So This Is Love), Griffin found a home on the small screen, first as a game-show host and then moving on to an extended run as the star of his own TV gabfest. During this time, he also became a game-show impresario, creating "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune." Griffin subsequently turned his attention to investing, snapping up radio stations, hotels and casinos.
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