Sunday, August 12, 2007

Farewell Merv Griffin

Merv Griffin, the entertainer and multimillionaire entrepeneur died today at age 82 after a battle with cancer. I last saw Merv back in March, when I attended a benefit he hosted for the LaQuinta Arts Festival. (I wrote a post of that evening right here on this blog back on March 4th). Photo left: Merv posed in this photo for me. He is flanked by Frankie Randall and Keely Smith.

Merv Griffin has been a major financial supporter of a number of events and charities in the Palm Springs area. He was one of the most successful Hollywood entertainers and executives ever, with career on stage singing, and a 23 year run with The Merv Griffin Show where he invented the modern day talk show concept. He made his substantial fortune when he single-handedly created game shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, which he sold to Colombia Pictures, with an ongoing share of profits. He had numerous real estate developments including hotels and other properties. As a resident of the Coachella Valley, Merv is a high profile valley resident and brought a great deal of Hollywood power to the Palm Springs area. He will be sorely missed.
at

9 comments:

  1. SerenaAugust 12, 2007 at 9:25 AM

    I hadn't heard of his passing. R.I.P., Mr. Griffin.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Empress Bee (of the high sea)August 12, 2007 at 9:31 AM

    wow i am sorry to hear that, i didn't know. i remember him owning a casino in the bahamas too. too bad...

    smiles, bee

    ReplyDelete
  3. GillAugust 12, 2007 at 9:56 AM

    Rick, so sad to hear of Merv's passing.
    I used to watch his show, it is a hallmark of my childhood...watching Merv Griffin, Sonny and Cher, The Osmonds....
    So nice you had the chance to meet him.
    xo
    Blue

    ReplyDelete
  4. GillAugust 12, 2007 at 9:56 AM

    Rick, so sad to hear of Merv's passing.
    I used to watch his show, it is a hallmark of my childhood...watching Merv Griffin, Sonny and Cher, The Osmonds....
    So nice you had the chance to meet him.
    xo
    Blue

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousAugust 12, 2007 at 11:10 AM

    I didn't know you knew Merv Griffin! Wow you really have an interesting life Rick.

    ReplyDelete
  6. limeAugust 12, 2007 at 1:07 PM

    may he rest in peace.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A LewisAugust 12, 2007 at 4:08 PM

    I just hate to see all of the good guys, and girls, go. Seems like a huge piece of our (my?) past is disappearing....with sadness.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Canadian flakeAugust 13, 2007 at 7:41 PM

    wow I hadn't heard this...I did know he had been ill..at least he can rest in peace now.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lee HartsfeldAugust 19, 2007 at 11:07 PM

    Terrific photo! Thanks.

    Merv gave Jack Paar the credit for inventing the modern talk show format--though maybe he was just being (characteristically) humble.

    What an exceptional man.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete

Thank you kindly.