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Merv Griffin Biography

Birth Name:Mervyn Edward Griffin

Birth Place:San Mateo, California, United States

Profession Composer, Actor, Producer, Writer, Music department

Fast Facts

  • Received an honorary law degree from the National University of Ireland, Galaway in 2005
  • In 2008, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame
  • Attended San Mateo Junior College and the University of San Francisco
  • Was discovered by well-known singer and actress Doris Day
  • Got his start in entertainment by working as a singer on the radio program "San Francisco Sketchbook․"
  • Helped create various game shows, including "Jeopardy!," "Wheel of Fortune" and "Ruckus․"
  • Had an uncredited role in the 1953 film "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms․"

Awards

  • 1971Golden Globe-Best TV Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1974Daytime Emmy-Best Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service, or Variety Series: nominated
  • 1974Daytime Emmy-Best Writing for a Talk, Service or Variety Program: winner
  • 1976Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service or Variety Series: nominated
  • 1977Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service or Variety Series: nominated
  • 1981Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Variety Series: nominated
  • 1982Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Variety Series: winner
  • 1983Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Variety Series: nominated
  • 1984Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Variety Series: winner
  • 1985Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Host in a Talk or Service Series: nominated
  • 1986Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game or Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1989Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1990Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: winner
  • 1990Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1991Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: winner
  • 1991Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1992Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: winner
  • 1993Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1993Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: winner
  • 1994Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: winner
  • 1994Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1994Michael Landon Award-: winner
  • 1995Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: winner
  • 1995Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 1996Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: nominated
  • 1997Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: nominated
  • 1997Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: nominated
  • 1998Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: nominated
  • 1998Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: winner
  • 1999Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: nominated
  • 1999Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Audience Participation Show/Game Show: nominated
  • 2000Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated
  • 2001Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show: nominated