One of the most successful men in 20th century entertainment, Merv Griffin parlayed a moderately popular career as a big band singer and game show frontman into a long-running stint as the host of his own talk show, and later, as the creator of some of American television’s best loved game shows, including “Wheel of Fortune” (syndicated, 1972- ) and “Jeopardy!” (NBC/syndicated, 1964- ). Griffin’s business acumen and larger-than-life personality weathered numerous ups (his wildly profitable real estate ventures) and downs (two palimony suits, which called his sexuality into question). By the
