Mervyn Edward "Merv" Griffin, Jr. (July 6, 1925 – August 12, 2007) was an American television host, musician, actor, and media mogul. 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 byWestinghouse Broadcasting (also known as Group W).
 
Griffin kept many details of his personal and business life private, including his alleged homosexuality, although he was subject to unsuccessful lawsuits by Dance Fever host Deney Terrio, alleging sexual harassment, and by assistant Brent Plott seeking $200 million in palimony. He remained friends with his ex-wife, whom he credited with creating the premise ofJeopardy!.