Merv Griffin Dies at 82

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STEVE INSKEEP, host:

Just a few musical notes can help explain the very career of Merv Griffin.

(Soundbite of "Jeopardy" theme music)

INSKEEP: That's the theme from the game show "Jeopardy." It's one of two long-running game shows developed by Merv Griffin. "Wheel of Fortune" is the other. Griffin himself wrote the "Jeopardy" theme, which was appropriate since he started his career as a musician.

He went on to be a consummate broadcaster. He produced shows behind the scenes and he spent decades in front of the camera. "The Merv Griffin Show" gave a break to young comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld.

(Soundbite of "The Merv Griffin Show")

Mr. JERRY SEINFELD (Comedian): My sister's married now, you know.

Mr. MERV GRIFFIN (Host): I didn't know that.

Mr. SEINFELD: Yeah, she got married...

Mr. GRIFFIN: Was it in all in the papers?

Mr. SEINFELD: Yes. Big shock. I think when a brother or sister gets married it's a shock because the way you know them you can't believe anyone would marry them.

(Soundbite of laughter)

Mr. GRIFFIN: Might have told him that.

Mr. SEINFELD: I met the guy. I met the guy. I said, can I talk to you for a second, pal? Do you have any idea? Have you ever borrowed a record album from her or shared the backseat in a long car trip? I've done these things. You're making a big mistake, I tell you.

(Soundbite of laughter)

INSKEEP: Then there was even younger comedian.

Mr. GRIFFIN: Billy Crystal tells the story of how he used to be on "The Merv Griffin Show" about once a week. However, his appearance was very short-lived. He sat in the audience. He was just a kid and he would - when I take a breath in an interview, he would cough. Then he would run home and tell his family he was on "The Merv Griffin Show." They'd all sit around and wait for his cough.

(Soundbite of "The Merv Griffin Show")

Mr. GRIFFIN: Your relatives always asked, have you seen Merv? How's Merv?

Mr. BILLY CRYSTAL (Comedian): How's Merv? How's Merv? Do you see Merv out there? How's Merv? I love Merv. You know who Merv had on the show?

Mr. GRIFFIN: Who?

Mr. CRYSTAL: I don't remember. But I love that Merv. Do you see Merv? They love you.

Mr. GRIFFIN: That's sweet. That is really nice.

INSKEEP: In later years, Merv Griffin went from talk shows and game shows to a kind of gigantic game show, the casino business. Like one of those long-lasting "Jeopardy" contestants, he won a lot of money and also lost a lot. And before his death of cancer at age 82, you could say this. If the answer was Merv Griffin, the question could be: who was one of the most successful people in show business?

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