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Merv Griffin
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Merv Griffin

American television producer, talk-show host, and entrepreneur
Also known as: Mervyn Edward Griffin

Learn about this topic in these articles:

Assorted References

  • association with Ovitz
    • In Michael Ovitz

      …representing such television talents as Merv Griffin and Bob Barker. In 1975 he joined with four other Morris agents to form Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

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creation of

    • “Jeopardy!”
      • This is Jeopardy!
        In Jeopardy!

        …in 1964 by television host Merv Griffin, who would also create Wheel of Fortune. Griffin wanted to launch a game show but found that networks were hesitant after the 1950s quiz show scandals. He landed on the idea of Jeopardy! during a conversation with his wife when she asked him,…

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    • “Wheel of Fortune”
      • Pat Sajak
        In Pat Sajak: Host of Wheel of Fortune

        Sajak was also noticed by Merv Griffin, the creator of Jeopardy! (original run, 1964–75) and Wheel of Fortune (1975– ). When in 1981 Wheel of Fortune needed a new host, Griffin persuaded NBC to hire Sajak. Despite some initial pushback because Sajak was not widely known, Sajak was offered the…

        Read More
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    talk show, radio or television program in which a well-known personality interviews celebrities and other guests. The late-night television programs hosted by Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Conan O’Brien, for example, emphasized entertainment, incorporating interludes of music or comedy. Other talk shows focused on politics (see David Susskind), controversial social issues or sensationalistic topics (Phil Donahue), and emotional therapy (Oprah Winfrey). See also Merv Griffin; Larry King; Jack Paar; Jimmy Kimmel; Jimmy Fallon; Stephen Colbert.

    The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Patricia Bauer.
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