Mervyn Edward "Merv" Griffin

 Mervyn Edward "Merv" Griffin, Jr. (July 6, 1925 – August 12, 2007)

He began his career as a radio and big band singer who went on to appear in film and on Broadway. From 1965 to 1986 Griffin hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, produced by Westinghouse Broadcasting (also known as Group W). Griffin was also a guest host on the Tonight Show, which was then hosted by Jack Paar. He also created the game shows Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Click, Ruckus, and Merv Griffin's Crosswords with his own television production companies, Merv Griffin Enterprises and Merv Griffin Entertainment. During his lifetime, Griffin was considered an entertainment business magnate. Griffin would also frequently chat with audience members. One regular audience member, Lillian Miller, would become a fixture on Griffin's program throughout its run. Griffin's best friend since the sixth grade, Robert (Bob) Murphy, was the producer of The Merv Griffin Show, and eventually became president of Merv Griffin Enterprises. Griffin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, which was treated, but returned in 2007 and ultimately caused his death at age 82. He is buried at Westwood Memorial Park.