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Just heard on the news he died today (last night?). Did anybody ever watch his show? My parents watched it all the time.
I just read an article about him as he's a figure who you always seem to hear about without knowing exactly what he does. I didn't know that he founded the game show Jeopardy but I have watched that many times….perhaps the best game show on TV for many years. In the article I read I found this interesting:
When Paar retired in 1962, Griffin was considered a prime candidate to replace him. Johnny Carson was chosen instead. NBC gave Griffin a daytime version of "Tonight," but he was canceled for being "too sophisticated" for the housewife audience.
Is this a knock on the average housewife or merely a reference to Merv as being too naturally intellectual?
he was canceled for being “too sophisticated” for the housewife audience
That's kinda funny! ;DWasn't it much more than just Jeopardy he produced? Merv Griffin Productions I think was his company.He certainly died a very rich man.
he was canceled for being "too sophisticated" for the housewife audience
That's kinda funny! ;DWasn't it much more than just Jeopardy he produced? Merv Griffin Productions I think was his company.He certainly died a very rich man.
He must have had a fairly large business portfolio. I remember that he owned a casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana for a while. It was later sold to Harrah's, eventually to be destroyed during Hurricane Rita. I don't recall the name when he owned it.
He must have had a fairly large business portfolio. I remember that he owned a casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana for a while. It was later sold to Harrah's, eventually to be destroyed during Hurricane Rita. I don't recall the name when he owned it.
Other than Jeopardy and Wheel he only had Dance Fever that ended up in multi-year run (1979-87), I think the big deal was selling out to Coca-Cola for $250 mil and retaining copyright to the shows. 😮Add to that the fact he kept active in several businesses and yes he had quite a portfolio.
I never met the man, but I delivered some deck chairs to his hill top home in Carmel Valley, California, circa 197 whatever – my memories fade when specific years come to mind. He was not there at the time, but I was impressed with the property on top of the costal range just south of the Carmel Valley Village – what a spot!I also helped moved some stuff down to Linus Pauling's place, but that's another story.
All I remember is volunteering for moving some things. I remember climbing into an old flat bed truck, which slithered down a dammed dangerous muddy drive, to a home on the coast. Linus Pauling was not there; we (the cheap labor) were told where to put what, and dismissed. But I remember an attractive housekeeper. From south of the border, I am sure.Upon reflection, the memory is amusing; cheap white men following the orders of a Mexican Seniorita! I did not mind it a bit. And we were not paid anything. Except the honor of delivering stuff to Linus Pauling. Whoopy do! This was circa 1977 - far too long ago for me to recite accuate details. I remember the location, the home, and the distain. Being a poor white bum at the time, it was interesting to see the Mexican ladie's attitude. Been there, done that, thank you. Class distinctions - from them free will we ever be?
