Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Merv Griffin Dies at 82
()
Talk show host, real estate mogul, crooner and all-around entertainer Merv Griffin has died. He was 82.
Merv got his first big break as a singer with band leader Freddy Martin at L.A.'s Coconut Grove in 1948. He parlayed his singing career into acting in feature films in the 1950s. He jumped from the big to the small screen and found success as a game show host and sometime guest host for Jack Paar on the "Tonight Show."
He was seen as the heir apparent to replace Paar when the "Tonight Show" host retired, but was passed over for a young man named Johnny Carson. Merv was given a daytime talk show on NBC, though it was soon cancelled.
Support for LAist comes from
Through a production deal with NBC, he began to develop game shows. His first attempt failed in 1963, but the following year he debuted "Jeopardy."
()
A year later, in 1965, The Merv Griffin Show was resurrected in syndication and ran in one form or another until 1986. In 1975, "Wheel of Fortune" hit the air and still runs nightly, making it the longest running game show in syndication.
A savvy businessman, Merv branched out into real estate and other investments, at one time or another owning Donald Trump's Resorts International with holdings in Atlantic City and the Bahamas as well as the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
Merv died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after a battle with prostate cancer.
Merv married Julann Wright in 1958, though they separated in the 1970s. He is survived by a son and two grandchildren.
()
Support for LAist comes from
Photos via AP
* * *
Merv Sings "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"
with the Freddy Martin Band
The Carpenters with Merv
Karen & Richard sing "(Want You) Back in My Life Again", followed by an interview. Also on the couch, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Debbie Harry & Chris Stein with Merv
A sit down with members of Blondie circa 1981 and the release of "Autoamerican"
Oingo Boingo with Merv
The band plays "Private Life" and then Merv talks with Danny Elfman.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist