But he is Man-Child in Television Land, and viewers get to know him not as they know Walter Cronkite, but as they know Archie Bunker and Hawkeye Pierce. The "Sunday Morning" thought being independent and single had become the star's brand. As his family was Roman Catholic, he started signing in the church from an early age. The show was a humongous success and became the longest running game show with over 6000 episodes. Perhaps he figured it was preferable to remain the object of gossip rather than live openly as "one of. Griffin was also an honorary pallbearer at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan in 2004, having been the Reagans' friends for many years. Raised as a Catholic, Griffin started singing in his church choir as a boy, and by his teens was earning extra money as a church organist. Griffin created and produced the successful television game show Jeopardy! On Monday, Nov. 6, 1967, his first guest was Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the woman whose lawsuit eliminated prayer from public schools. Open homosexuality is a threat to the closeted, and powerful people in the closet like Merv Griffin will often do whatever it takes to squash those who are open and who might advocate that all among the powerful should come out. She is most remembered for Lisa Douglas on Green Acres. As a result, this literally wiped out or greatly reduced the investments of the bondholders, so that Mr. Griffin could sue Trump and yet still retain a significant portion for himself. AT SIMON & SCHUSTER, they were excited. "To say 'yes' to that question flatters me," he says, pausing to look at the wall as though hoping to see the proper answer. If they're slow, he takes telephone calls. That's when Griffin's wife pitched the . From 1958 to 1962, Griffin hosted Play Your Hunch, a game show produced by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman. Donahue denied the rumors by signing a six-year contract to continue independent production. No name. Though dismissed, the lawsuits put Griffin on the spot, and while he never denied being gay, he didnt own it either. While it would seem everything has changed today, little actually has. . [17] They had much in common and became instant friends, and Buzzell introduced Griffin to all of New York City's popular musicians and music executives. The star had spent decades covering up his sexuality and even married comedienne Julann Wright, who gave him a son. We steal a lot from other shows," Donahue says. "Today's subsequent instructions to Donahue: "No clinical sex.". And if that wasnt scandalous enough: I write that friends who went to school with him in San Mateo say, when he was a young homosexual growing up, he was sexually molested by a priest. The show, originally titled What's the Question?, premiered on NBC on March 30, 1964, hosted by Art Fleming, and ran for 11 years. The couple had one son. Around the office, Mervs being gay was understood but rarely discussed (and certainly never with him). Playing to the camera unmercifully, he leans close, interrupts, turns his back and challenges. . He has parlayed their problems into the top spot in the dog-eat-puppy world of syndicated talk shows. "The irony of the situation wasn't wasted on me", Griffin recalls in his autobiography. A relationship that should be renewed and examined can't grow as long as we're not telling our women how we feel. Involving slapstick stunts and a somewhat truncated version of his old Reach for the Stars, it initially aired locally in New York, with the intent of national syndication early the following year. In effect, Donahue has 200 bosses and they provide a fascinating study in what the public will tolerate -- even seek -- once outside the networks. To prove his point, Donahue does a Kissinger imitation, complete with heavy accent. Merv Griffin was an example of how dangerous the closet can be and how the closet and power are a combustible combination that adversely affects so many other lives. So, is Phil Donahue Everyman? [8] During the Korean War several years later, he was examined and deemed healthy enough to serve, but by that time was above age 26 and exempt from the draft. Danny said the female audience was lucky to spend an hour with "two of the world's most attractive men." None of this has to be true for him to get a book deal without worrying about getting sued. Griffin and Grove were brought together by Byron Paul, producer of U.S.A. Canteen, and Irving Mansfield, Summer Holiday's creator. Sensing that his time at CBS was ending, and tired of the network's restrictions, Griffin secretly signed a contract with rival company Metromedia that gave him a syndicated daytime talk show deal as soon as CBS canceled their show. "When half of America is saying, 'That guest got him,' believe me when I tell you it's fine with me." At the time of Merv's death, his net worth was estimated at more than $1 billion. during the weekend of August 1819, 2007. During a May 2020 "Sunday Morning" interview, Marlo explained that the interview she had with Phil all those years back wasn't really one. Also, he achieved the degree Doctor of Laws from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2005. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Mervyn "Merv" Griffin (1925 -2007) was an American television host, musician, actor, and media mogul. The pair "hung in there" despite the date setting them back to the starting stages of their relationship. He often received criticism for booking such guests. Their meeting was later described as love at first sight, and by 1980, the pair were married! Merv Griffins Dangerous Closet, by The Gist, http://signorile2003.blogspot.com/2007/08/merv-griffins-dangerous-closet.html. Brent Plott, who had been his employee, also accused him of harassment. Shortly after the show begins he may be warning that time is almost gone. After eight years he quit and tried his hand as a traveling salesman. In 1969, CBS hired Griffin to directly compete with Carson in the 11:30 PM to 1:00 AM time slot that had proven a grave yard for other personalities. The competition is tough -- young, energetic hosts are constantly clawing for national access, and even the long-popular Mike Douglas was recently canceled. He lost his virginity, to a female, that is, when Judy Garland seduced him. Donahue has plenty of other markets. Fingers point. Griffin wrote the 30-second piece of music heard during the show's Final Jeopardy! The Merv Griffin Show (TV Series 1962-1986) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. By 1986, Griffin was ready to retire. Profits from his highly successful game shows made him one of the world's wealthiest entertainers. Griffin dedicated two shows, in 1975 and 1977, to Transcendental Meditation and its founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Such candor is not new to Donahue, but it usually comes from his guests and audience. "There is no show without the audience," Donahue says. The couple had one son. And he seems without shame: "I would be afraid I'm going to die if someone told me I had leukemia. And for good reason: "In an attempt to be honest you pay a price," he said -- afraid that his popular image may self-destruct in the confessional heat of his first book, "Donahue: My Own Story. "In 1965, I'm called a traitor by the press for presenting Bertrand Russell, and, four years later, we are hard-pressed to find anybody to speak in favor of the Vietnam War".In March 1970, CBS censors pixilated antiwar activist Abbie Hoffman because he was wearing a shirt that resembled an American flag. Marlo was 40 when she married the talk show host, and it was her first marriage. Griffin disliked the censorship imposed by CBS and complained. 2 Phil Donahue is a daytime television icon Credit: Getty Images - Getty Who is Phil Donahue? Its disheartening that Merv had to die to shake it for good. On being wealthy, Griffin said, "when you walk down the street and everybody knows you're rich, they don't talk to you." This former bodyguard and horse trainer was paid $250 a week, lived in one of two apartments underneath my former house as part of his security function, and left my payroll six or seven years ago. One of Merv Griffins most important works was his talk show The Merv Griffin Show. Round, which became the iconic melody of the theme for the syndicated version of the show hosted by Alex Trebek in 1984. Among his private passions are his family, son Tony Griffin, daughter-in-law Tricia, and grandchildren Farah and Donovan Mervyn, his long-haired sharpei dog Charlie Chan, his La Quinta ranch near Carmel, where he raises thoroughbred racing horses, and his 135 foot, four-story high ocean going yacht, Griff. His 12-year-old granddaughter Farah gave a reading. It's a shame. He also hosted a primetime ABC game show, Keep Talking. His funeral was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. The syndicated versions of both Jeopardy! Griffin was married to the former Julann Wright from 1958 to 1976; they remained friends after their divorce. [citation needed], Griffin started as a singer on radio at age 19, appearing on San Francisco Sketchbook, a nationally syndicated program based at KFRC. He served as Executive Producer of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" (2000).After his retirement from daytime chat, Merv became a real estate baron, acquiring the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, which is now the venue of choice for virtually all of the Tinseltown's most high profile events such as The Golden Globe Awards, The Soap Opera Digest Awards, and The American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Awards. Discussion rapidly evolves into a group event, with Donahue roaming along the aisles, cajoling, flirting, taunting and enticing. Before they married, Marlo had no interest in the institution, but her husband managed to twist her arm. was merv griffin married to marlo thomas. He was also close friends with Actress and former First Lady of the United States, Nancy Reagan, with who he shares the same birthdate, July 6. He did it for Marlon Brandon. He became a substitute host for Jack Paar on The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar (1957) and scored some of the highest ratings in the show's history. Both lawsuits were eventually dismissed. Merv Griffin. Adding to it, he also produced The Merv Griffin Show, which was a syndicated talk show in 1965. Plus Judy Garlands Meet Me in St. Louis boy next door, Tom Drake, who, by the way, ended up a used car salesman. That's one of the nice things about being hot. [29], In 1988, he purchased Resorts International and two of their hotels, one in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and another on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, from Donald Trump and other investors. The audience is small and compact, practically sitting in the guest's lap. Marlo was 40 when she married the talk show host, and it was her first marriage. His last game show was a wild show called Ruckus, which emanated from the Resorts International Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, which he owned at the time. "Why rock the boat?" Then he continued his higher education at the University of San Francisco. Griffin was a well-known TV personality who died on 12 August 2007 due to prostate cancer. "It's no mystery to me why they are so conservative," Donahue says. His 7-year-old grandson Donovan Mervyn was an honorary pallbearer, as was Nancy Reagan. and Wheel of Fortune. Griffin's home was sold for $7million. Mervyn Edward Griffin Jr. (July 6, 1925 - August 12, 2007) was an American television show host and media mogul. His roommate a year and a half was Montgomery Clift. You and the ayatollah are the only two people that would work for.". Instead, she became a friend of the four boys', and when she got to know them and vice versa, they trusted her and accepted her in their lives. The Hollywood mogul Merv Griffin died at the age of 82 over the weekend after a battle with cancer, and I was amazed to see The New York Timesactually discusshis sexual orientation, the palimony lawsuit and the male-on-male sexual harassment lawsuit. Self 5 episodes, 1969-1974 Melba Moore . "[43], Griffin was a constant companion of actress Eva Gabor from the mid-1980s until her death in 1995, though she told the press in 1990 that they had never been lovers.[44]. Family. Born in Kansas City, MO, Menorah Hospital to Helen Hollenbeck Ford and Fred C. Ford. He usually has only one guest and discusses only one topic. Not one to shy away from controversy, Griffin began to be harassed by CBS censors who objected to the antiwar statements of his guests and ordered him to feature pro-war guests for balance. He continued to appear in films like The Boy from Oklahoma and Phantom of the Rue Morgue. Two revivals of Jeopardy! From that moment, "Donahue" became an audience-participation program. Griffin, who died of prostate cancer Sunday at 82, stayed in the closet throughout his life. 24K views, 950 likes, 99 loves, 117 comments, 155 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Marlo Thomas: #TBT to this scene from That Girl. Can I put on Barry Goldwater, who thinks we ought to drop nuclear bombs? Part of the deal was that Trump would buy Resorts' interest in the yet-to-be-constructed Taj Mahal project for $273million, and that Trump would own Resorts International Air, which included three Sikorsky S-61 helicopters. [10], By 1945, Griffin had earned enough money to form his own record label, Panda Records, which produced Songs by Merv Griffin, the first U.S. album ever recorded on magnetic tape. I like someone to love me," Thomas replied. Also, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame after his death in 2008. Griffin was born July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, California, to Mervyn Edward Griffin Sr., a stockbroker, and Rita Elizabeth Griffin (ne Robinson),[3] a homemaker. COPYRIGHT 2020 By TheLifeandTimesofHollywood.com, Stories From The Life and Times of Hollywood. The "Today" show signed him, as rumors spread that he'd soon jump to the networks. Griffin's three-year run at CBS was contentious; the network was uncomfortable with the guests he wanted, who often spoke out against the Vietnam War and on other sensitive topics. "Just your picture. You can count on the fingers of one hand, or at most two, the number of high-powered stars, executives and public figures who have come out. Soon after, he released his first album Songs of Merv Griffin. His second show featured single men discussing what they liked in women. [citation needed], He attended San Mateo High School, graduating in 1942, and continued to aid in financing the school. "Milestones of Motoring (1954)" sponsored by Standard Oil of Ohio, Hagley Library Digital Archive. A pediatrician whom he accused of being too vain retorted, "When a child urinates on your tie at least once a week, it's hard to be too vain. But he should also be held up as man who, like Malcolm Forbes before him, was hugely influential and powerful and yet still allowed the closet and homophobia to manipulate his life, and to cause him to do harm to his own people. [9], Freddy Martin heard him on the radio show and asked him to tour with his orchestra,[1] which he did for four years. That fall he became a radio reporter in Adrian, Mich. It gained traction in 1991 when he was targeted in a pair of lawsuits: by Dance Fever host Denny Terrio, alleging sexual harassment; and by assistant Brent Plott seeking $200 million in palimony. [6], Griffin and First Lady Nancy Reagan exchanged birthday greetings each July 6 for their shared birthday. In 1974, Griffin was inducted to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Overlooking Long Island Sound, the home is on tony . Griffin, as a radio announcer, played an unacknowledged part in the 1953 science/horror short story classic The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. "There's nothing too controversial for television," Donahue says. He started the game show Jeopardy! in 1964. . Author Darwin Porters niche is posthumously outing celebrities. Aren't you?" The "That Girl" star and her husband raised five children after the actress refused to be an evil fairy-tale-like stepmother. He could duck it for a while, but it would always find him. ", Donahue loves it. 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He also owns the Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas in Arizona, and St. Clerans Manor, an 18th century estate once owned by director John Huston which is located near Galway, the premier resort destination in Ireland.In January 1998, Griffin opened The Coconut Club, one of the country's hottest swing/dance clubs, at his Beverly Hilton Hotel. He has little respect for "people who float a battleship of words around a rowboat of thought." His first song Ive Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts was a huge success, selling over 3 million copies. "Donahue" is unlike any other talk show. Finally, Griffins closet had him firing gay men whod actually made it up through the ranks of his own company, simply because they were openly gay. The second show aired as a standalone special in some regions such as Canada. It became the first US Album to be recorded on a magnetic tape. Griffin was not shy about tackling controversial subjects, especially the Vietnam War. Even though Marlo had never intended to marry, she once admitted that it was "awful" being away from her husband. So it doesnt matter if he calls James Dean a glorified prostitute, or Griffin a pimp. Many well known and highly identifiable actresses have tried and failed to make the arduous crossover from fizzy TV sitcom star to mature, dramatic artist. She returned to her native New Mexico, remarried and disappeared from public view -- until now, with publication of a "family" picture in Donahue's book. Griffin frequently chatted with audience members. Aug. 12, 2007 -- Merv Griffin, who parlayed a talent for talk and entertainment into a one-man business conglomerate, died of cancer early this morning. [6] He was a member of the international fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. Perhaps he figured it was preferable to remain the object of gossip rather than live openly as one of them.. Over the years, he also became very popular by performing in nightclubs. (1980) Francie Shaffer. Million Dollar Masters Tournament from 2002. When he was fired a few months later, his new show began the following Monday, and ran until the mid-1980s. All through his lifespan, he was renowned as an entertainment business mogul. Margaret Julia "Marlo" Thomas (born November 21, 1937) is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist. Stations rarely cancel his show and few refuse to air individual programs. [17] He landed a job as the host of a new television show, CBS-TV's Summer Holiday, a summer replacement for Jane Froman's U.S.A. Canteen and Jo Stafford's The Jo Stafford Show, which he co-hosted with Betty Ann Grove. (GSN, 1998, both for children); Rock & Roll Jeopardy! . She further elaborated, "I had to meet the right kind of man, and the world had to change a lot, and I had to change a lot." He didn't need CBS, NBC or ABC. So he returned to his radio roots and focused on marriage, illness, sexuality, death and other problems "ordinary" people could discuss. A staff of 15, mostly women, decides what gets on the show. In 1998, a Golden Palm Star on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs was dedicated to him. But in a New York office recently, Donahue looked much more subdued that he does goes on television, his eyes more pale and penetrating. Picking up a desk stapler to act as a surrogate microphone, he stands, flexes his shoulders and acts out his "dialogues" with them. Marlo agreed, revealing she had planned never to get married, and like her character in "That Girl," she was focused on her career and not a husband. So far, in the the rest of the obits on Griffin (Reuters, Associated Press) Ive seen nothing about his homosexuality. (1964). National magazines ran complimentary stories. (1964) for NBC. In 1974, under intense pressure to "put some glitter in the show," he moved to Chicago, hoping to attract better guests and big-city flair. And a lot of us went out there, charging out into the world breathlessly getting married and then suddenly afterward finding that we were really paralyzed in our attempts to share real feelings. Subsequently, Sony Pictures Entertainment purchased Columbia and he retains the title of executive producer of both "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" "The more drawn into the Hollywood trappings he . Marlo Thomas Was Scared of Being Stepmom to Phil Donahue's 5 Kids They Are Proud of Gaggle of Grandkids Now, Why Is Robin Always on Dr. Phil's Show? Mervyn Edward "Merv" Griffin, Jr. August 12, 2007) was an American television host, singer, and media mogul behind Merv Griffin Enterprises. Griffin produced the show's successor, Wheel of Fortune, which premiered January 6, 1975 with host Chuck Woolery and hostess Susan Stafford, and had high ratings throughout its network run. He rose as far as possible in Dayton -- anchoring the television news and hosting a radio call-in show. You know, men and women, and 'he doesn't kiss me anymore.'". To a tearful father whose teenaged daughter died he says, "You must know that she wants you to be happy. "How important is love?" He's not afraid to sound stupid, either. Maybe you know about Merv Griffin very well But do you know how old was he at the time of his death and what is his net worth in 2023? Merv Griffin is a television host and media tycoon of America. Well, if youre ready, lets start. . In 1954, Griffin appeared in several Cincraft Productions sponsored films including a musical, Milestones of Motoring with Joe E. Brown and Rita Farrell. Griffin never acknowledged he was gay, though it became widely known in Hollywood, even as Eva Gabor played his beard. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Mervyn Edward Merv Griffin Jr. was born on July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, California. Also: speculation. He is the only son of Merv Griffin and Julann Wright. "Suddenly my phone was ringing," Donahue says. Subsequently, a Golden Palm Star on the Walk of Stars was devoted to him in 1998. That should not be forgotten. One regular attendee, Lillian Miller, became a fixture on the show throughout its run. It aired in a variety of time slots throughout North America; many stations ran it in the daytime, others aired it in primetime, and a few broadcast it opposite Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. Over the years, it made a record of winning 33 Emmy Awards. In 1969 "Donahue" (until 1974 called "The Phil Donahue Show") entered national syndication, but half a decade later his salesman quit because the show was stuck at around 40 markets and "just couldn't sell." It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and numerous Emmy Awards, out of which it won eleven. It won several awards and nominations and has been adapted into numerous international versions. He eventually started his own show The Merv Griffin Show in 1962 which proved to be a huge success. That year, Brent Plott, a longtime employee who worked as a bodyguard, horse trainer and driver, filed a $200million palimony lawsuit, which was also dismissed. From 1958 to 1962, Griffin hosted a game show called Play Your Hunch which was produced by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman. It ran on all three networks, but primarily NBC. He maintained a virtual male harem and a pimp who supplied porn stars, but I dont go into his pay-for-gay guys. His height was 1.75 m tall and weighed 70 kg. Brynn Hartman Struggled with Self-Esteem and Her Husband's Absence Who Was Phil Hartman's Wife? ", Donahue can conceive of absolutely no topic that could hurt his career. As rewrds, he dispenses liberal "God bless you's" and "I love you's." Day arranged for a screen test at the Warner Bros. Studios for a role in By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953). Secondly, Griffins closet had him engaging in workplace sexual harassment, something that, as I showed in my 1993 book Queer in America, is common among closeted powerful men, who often are simply seeking outlets for sex. [20] When they had their first child, Cynthia Leigh Buzzell, on September 11, 1955, Griffin was named her godfather. marathon consisted of a rerun of the Jeopardy! "We're talking about a medium that evaluates people according to the force with which they can communicate ideas," Donahue explains. The former home of Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas in Westport, Conn., is going on the market for $28 million. The show was a huge success and earned immense popularity. He considers many fellow journalists "professional gapers" who pursue rat-pack "me-too-ism." They divorced in 1976 after 17 years of marriage. "We read a lot of magazines. He rarely expects answers to questions: He wants only punchy responses. The "Sunday Morning" interviewer wanted to know where Marlo got the idea. In yet another stunner, the book claims Griffin - who died in 2007 at age 82 - carried on a longtime affair with Hollywood heavyweight Marlon Brando. The "That Girl" actress first met Marlo when she was on his talk show as a guest in 1977. His best years, he fears, may already be behind him: "The most creative, innovative ideas come from people with the least power and the least to lose." Griffin scored a coup when Tonight Show host Jack Paar accidentally emerged onto the set of Play Your Hunch during a live broadcast, and Griffin got him to stay for a spontaneous interview. The star said one example was her parents, as the actress's mother gave up her singing career to settle herself to marry the star of the "Danny Thomas Show." "We also get an awful lot of phone calls and letters from people asking us to be on. I noticed that my children weren't really sharing feelings with me -- and one of the reasons was I don't do a hell of a lot of sharing with them in terms of feelings. "Spokeswoman: 'Jeopardy' inventor Merv Griffin dies at 82", "Daily Press: Hampton Roads News, Virginia News & Videos", "Merv Griffin, Television Innovator, Dies at 82", "Frater Merv Griffin Passes into the Chapter Eternal", "Lean Days are Better; Griffin Shed Weight and Song to Be a TV Host", "Entertainment Legend Merv Griffin Dies At 82", "(Advertisment) Thanks: The Merv Griffin Show", "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; founded Transcendental Meditation movement", "For Merv Griffin, 14 Seconds Can Last a Lifetime", "Griffin buys Resorts; Trump to get Taj Mahal", "Merv Griffin's Outrageous Fortune: When Millionaire Griffin Took on Billionaire Trump, They Said It Was a Mismatch. [2] He began his career as a radio and big band singer, later appearing in film and on Broadway. Griffin was married to Julann Wright, and together they had a son named Anthony. So powerful is his appeal that the "Today" show signed him as a regular contributor last May. (1984) He had also been the recipient of the coveted Scopus Award from the American Friends of Hebrew University, "The Duke Award" presented by the John Wayne Cancer Institute, and he had been honored by the American Ireland Fund and the SHARE organization. And I began to examine why, listen to some of the shrinks and people who do our show. He too appears vulnerable, capable of tears, joy or simply being left speechless when an 80-year-old woman says a man has "taken her to the stars.". Once, Donahue says, Walter Cronkite himself telephoned to say, "Phil, that was a goddamned good interview you sent us yesterday. Merv Griffin reaches only 3.9 million viewers, Mike Douglas 3.7 and Dinah Shore 2.8 million. [11] In 1947, he had a 15-minute Monday-to-Friday singing program on KFRC in San Francisco. He was commended for booking such guests, but also widely criticized for it. [17][20][21] After the wedding, and about two months after arriving in the city, Griffin moved into a different apartment, but in the same building, and remained lifelong friends with Buzzell and Simms.