Merv Griffin

Merv Griffin was an American singer, entertainer, television personality, producer, entrepreneur and entertainment industry magnate.

According to the book Merv Griffin: A Life in the Closet, published in May 2009, Griffin was not only secretly gay, but sexually active with several of Hollywood's all-time leading male actors, including James Dean, Marlon Brando and Rock Hudson. The book also claims that Griffin had a sexual relationship with the flamboyant pianist Liberace.Perez Hilton: Merv Griffin Was A Gay Sex Fiend? (May 26, 2009)

Merv Griffin, who got his start as a nightclub singer and went on to host several game shows during the 1960s, turned a chance interview of The Tonight Show host Jack Parr into a recurring stint as guest host of that program. This in turn led to hosting his own afternoon talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, for 21 years. After the end of that run, Griffin, who had previously created Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, focused on producing other games shows and purchasing resort real estate. At the time of his death in 2007, he was the wealthiest entertainer in history.

• Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.

• July 6, 1925: Born in San Mateo, California

• 1953: So This Is Love

• 1962: First syndicated season of The Merv Griffin Show

• 1963: Hosts Word for Word

• 1964: Creates Jeopardy

• August 18, 1969: Griffin's show moves to CBS, pitting him against Johnny Carson

• 1975: Creates Wheel of Fortune

• September, 2007: Launch of new game show, Merv Griffin's Crosswords

• August 12, 2007: Dies of Prostate Cancer in Los Angeles