Merv Griffin (1925-2007) was a talk show host and television producer, primarily of game shows. He was best known as the host of The Merv Griffin Show, which ran in several incarnations: a short-lived, single season NBC series (1962-1963), a longer syndicated run (1965-1969), a weeknight CBS series (1969-1972), and a successful return to syndication (1972-1986).
In the latter format, Jim Henson and the Muppets guest starred, first in 1977, and then in a 1984 episode, to promote The Muppets Take Manhattan, in which Griffin joined Kermit and Miss Piggy in singing "Theme from New York, New York".
Griffin's other accomplishments include a brief film acting stint in the 1950s, and producing such game shows as Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune (for which he composed the theme songs), and the 1990 series Monopoly.
References[]
- In Episode 2277 of Sesame Street, Telly Monster hosts an interview program titled "Telly Vision." Following an interview with Placido Flamingo, the singer remarks to Telly, "Merv Griffin has nothing on you!"
- Having previously received a call from Mr. Trump, Mr. Handford gets a call from "Merv" at the end of Sesame Street Episode 2704. This references the several clashes and negotiations Griffin had with Trump in the late '80s over the hotel-casino company Resorts International.