Merv Griffin - A Lifelong Career in Entertainment...

We've all been surfing the net and watching the news over the last couple of days and have heard about Merv Griffin's death on Sunday, August 12th. We've seen numerous stories and watched the history of his lifelong career in entertainment replayed before our very eyes.

I have to admit - I was born in the 70's and really wasn't that familiar with him. Sure, I had heard of the Merv Griffin Show but other than that I really wasn't aware of all that he had accomplished.

For those of you in my age group (and with my level of familiarity) let me share with you some of his accomplishments...

1. The Merv Griffin Show ran for a total of 25 years
2. He created Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune - you heard of these?
3. Singing on the radio at the age of 19 was his first gig
4. When his radio fans saw him for the first time they laughed outloud due to his weight. So, he soon lost 80 lbs in about 4 months.
5. When he retired in 1986 he sold Merv Griffin Enterprises to Columbia Pictures for $250 million
6. Merv invested heavily in real estate by purchasing the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills
7. In 1988 he bought Resorts Hotel and Casino (formerly Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotel) in Atlantic City from Donald Trump.
8. He loves horses and would wear his lucky gold tie to races

You learn something? I sure did...

Enjoy this tribute!