Mervyn Edward Griffin, Jr. (July 6, 1925—August 12, 2007) is best remembered as the creator of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, two of the longest-running and best-loved TV game shows of all time. He also hosted his own celebrated TV talk show for more than 20 years. At the time of his death, he was one of the wealthiest people in the entertainment industry, with a net worth of over $1 billion.
Early Life
Born in San Mateo, California to stockbroker Mervyn Edward Griffin, Sr. and homemaker Rita Elizabeth Griffin, young Mervyn, Jr. started in entertainment at an early age. He sang in the church choir as a boy, and he earned money playing the organ during church services. Griffin graduated from San Mateo High School in 1942.
