Merv Griffin was a popular American TV host, singer, and media mogul, known for creating internationally reputed game shows such as ‘The Wheel of Fortune’. Born in San Mateo, California, he studied at the University of San Francisco. He began a singing career on radio at the age of 19. He had a role as a radio announcer in the horror film ‘The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms’. Over the years, his popularity increased as he performed in nightclubs. His first hit song was ‘I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts’. It sold over 3 million copies. His first important acting role was in the film ‘So This is Love’, which was directed by Gordon Douglas. He appeared in a few more films, before diverting his attention to TV instead. His career as a game show host began with the show ‘Play Your Hunch’. It was ranked by TV Guide as one of the best TV shows of all time. He later launched his own show ‘The Merv Griffin Show’. It aired for several years and earned numerous Emmy Awards and nominations. After a long and successful career, he eventually passed away in 2007 due to prostate cancer. He had been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1974 and into the Television Hall of Fame posthumously.