Merv Griffin: Talk Show Host and Creator of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortu

Merv Griffin was an American entertainer and media mogul. Born on July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, California, he began as a big band singer and had a hit with "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts."

He hosted The Merv Griffin Show for decades and created the game shows Jeopardy! in 1964 and Wheel of Fortune in 1975. He wrote the "Think!" music for Jeopardy!. In 1986 he sold his production company to Coca-Cola for about $250 million and then invested in hotels and casinos.

Griffin was a private man who kept his personal life out of the spotlight. He died of prostate cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on August 12, 2007, at age 82.

Achievements: Creator of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, Emmy Awards, Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Birth: July 6, 1925 - San Mateo, California.

Profession: Entertainer and producer.

Interesting Facts: He composed the Jeopardy! theme as a lullaby for his son.