Merv Griffin-Net Worth 2022, Cause of Death, Age, Life, TV Shows

Merv Griffin was one of the famous American show host and media mogul who was one of the billionaires of the television world. The Merv Griffin Show’ host died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, California.

Merv Griffin’s Net Worth At The Time Of Death

Merv Griffin, who grabbed huge attention for creating internationally famous game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! collected a hefty amount of money and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, till his last breath.

Talking about Merv Griffin’s net worth, his net worth was $1 billion, during his last days. Back in 2003, his worth was $1.2 billion. In the current time, $1.2 billion would be $2 billion.

Merv’s business ventures, television career, hotels, shows, and companies were the primary source of income. Do you know, he had gone through business struggles and even sought bankruptcy back in December 1989?

Merv Griffin’s Sources Of Income And Business Ventures

The late show host started his professional career as a singer at the age of nineteen. He started his career on radio appearing on San Francisco Sketchbook.

The media mogul collected huge cash mainly from Jeopardy song royalties. During an interview with the New York Times in 2005, Merv revealed that he raised $70 million to $80 million, only from the Jeopardy theme song. 

Well, until the date, the total amount received is $100 million. Do you know he wrote the music only in 30 seconds?

Merv’s other main source of income is his business ventures. Back in 1963, he founded Merv Griffin Enterprises, the production where he created most of his shows. After retirement, he sold the company to Columbia Pictures Television for the worth of $250 million.

He also received huge cash from the real estate business. Back in 1987, he bought Beverly Hilton Hotel, located in Beverly Hills, California. With its purchase, he also purchased the Paradise Island Resort and Casino in the Bahamas for $400 million. It was later sold for $125 million.

His other properties included Merv Griffin Givenchy Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California, St. Clerans Manor.

Cause Of His Death

The late media mogul was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 1996. Again the medical condition returned in 2007. He died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on 12th August 2007. He was only 82 years old.

His funeral was held on 17th August 2007 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Beverly Hills. Many stars like Vanna White, Pat Sajak, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Jack Klugman, Catherin Oxenberg, Dick Van Patten, and many also attended the funeral. During the time, his estate was sold for $7 million.

Personal Life And Controversies

The late show host was once a married man. He was married to Julann Wright. The former couple tied the knot in 1958, but, later, divorced in 1976. They welcomed son Tony Griffin in 1959, a year after tying the knot.

Back in 1991, Deney Terrio accused him of sexual harassment, but, later, the charges were dropped out. Likewise, Brent Plott, his longtime employee, also filed a $200 million palimony lawsuit, but it was later dismissed.

• American Television Host
• Cause of Death
• Net Worth 2022