Merv Griffin Dies

Television personality Merv Griffin died from prostate cancer on August 12, 2007.

Merv Griffin, who got his start as a nightclub singer, went on to host several game shows during the 1960s. In 1950, Griffin's career as a singer and radio personality culminated with the hit "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts." In the early 1960s Griffin had a recurring stint as guest host of The Tonight Show. The popularity of his turns on The Tonight Show led to Griffin hosting his own afternoon talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, for 21 years. After the show was canceled Griffin, who had previously created Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, focused on producing other games shows and purchasing resort real estate.