Merv Griffin Had It All — But This Scandal Haunted Him Forever

Merv Griffin was a towering figure in American entertainment, a man whose name became synonymous with some of the most iconic game shows in television history.

Creator of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, Griffin built a billion-dollar empire and charmed Hollywood with his wit and charm.

Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, a scandal from 1991 cast a long shadow over his legacy—one that never truly faded, even after his death in 2007.

What was the controversy that threatened to unravel the career of this beloved TV legend?

The story is as complex as it is surprising.

Born in 1925 in San Mateo, California, Merv Griffin’s early life was marked by both privilege and hardship.

His family’s fortune dwindled during the Great Depression, forcing them into a small apartment where he shared a room with his sister.

Despite these early struggles, Griffin discovered an extraordinary musical talent at a young age.

By seven, he was already impressing church priests with his perfect pitch, and by fifteen, he was earning a modest income as the official church organist—without any formal training.

Griffin’s ambition and determination shaped his path.

Though he was overweight and shy as a teenager, he transformed himself physically and professionally.

After a stint performing for wounded soldiers during World War II, he launched a singing career that caught the attention of bandleader Freddy Martin.

Touring the country and performing with stars like Frank Sinatra, Griffin honed his skills as a performer and entertainer.

His breakthrough came in 1948 with a nightclub performance of the novelty song “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts,” which led to a lucrative RCA Victor record deal.

Griffin wasn’t just a singer—he was a savvy businessman who launched one of America’s first magnetic tape-recorded albums and controlled every aspect of his music production.

These early successes paved the way for his transition into Hollywood, where he appeared in films and challenged the era’s strict censorship with bold on-screen moments.

Yet, it was television that truly made Merv Griffin a household name.

Starting in the late 1950s, he hosted and produced game shows like Play Your Hunch and Keep Talking, gaining a reputation for his easy charm and quick wit.

His daytime talk show, which competed with Johnny Carson’s late-night program, was known for its warmth and in-depth interviews.

Griffin was unafraid to tackle controversial topics, inviting guests who challenged societal norms and sparking debates that sometimes made headlines.

The 1960s also saw Griffin’s greatest creative achievements.

Inspired by a playful idea from his wife, Julann, he created Jeopardy!, which debuted in 1964 with a clever format and a memorable theme song he composed himself.

Later, he developed Wheel of Fortune, blending childhood games with a glamorous wheel spin, launching what would become the longest-running syndicated game show in history.

By the 1980s, Griffin’s empire was worth hundreds of millions.

He sold Merv Griffin Enterprises for a staggering $250 million but retained the rights to ongoing royalties, ensuring his financial success for decades.

He also invested in real estate, purchasing the Beverly Hilton Hotel and later making a high-stakes bid for Resorts International, a venture that ended in bankruptcy but showcased his bold business spirit.

Despite his public success, Griffin’s personal life was far more complicated.

Married to Julann Wright from 1958 until their quiet divorce in 1976, the couple remained amicable, with Julann playing a significant role behind the scenes.

However, rumors about Griffin’s private life circulated for years, fueled by his close friendship with actress Eva Gabor.

The media speculated endlessly about the nature of their relationship, which insiders understood was a “beard”—a cover to protect Griffin’s true sexuality in an era when Hollywood demanded discretion.

The scandal that rocked Griffin’s world erupted in 1991 when two men filed high-profile lawsuits against him.

Brent Plot, a former employee, claimed to have been Griffin’s lover and partner for nine years, demanding $200 million in palimony.

He alleged involvement in Griffin’s business ventures, including the creation of Wheel of Fortune and the casting of Vanna White.

Griffin’s legal team swiftly denied the claims, labeling Plot a disgruntled former bodyguard attempting extortion.

The lawsuit was dismissed without explanation, but the damage to Griffin’s reputation lingered.

Shortly after, another former TV host, Richard Tero, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit alleging years of unwanted advances and broken promises of ownership and profit shares.

Tero detailed graphic accusations that painted Griffin as a manipulative figure who used his power to control and silence.

Although this case was also dismissed, it added fuel to the rumors circulating in Hollywood.

Tero later claimed Griffin blacklisted him, effectively ending his career.

These lawsuits never reached trial, but they left an indelible mark on Griffin’s legacy.

At a time when abuse of power in entertainment was rarely confronted, these allegations were whispered about in industry circles but seldom discussed openly.

Griffin maintained a carefully crafted public image, using humor and his friendship with Gabor to deflect probing questions.

In interviews, he dodged inquiries about his sexuality with witty one-liners, neither confirming nor denying rumors.

Merv Griffin passed away in 2007 from prostate cancer, surrounded by family and friends.

His funeral was attended by Hollywood royalty, including Nancy Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy alongside Griffin’s son Tony.

Millions remembered him for his contributions to television and entertainment, celebrating the laughter and joy his shows brought into their homes.

Yet, the shadow of those 1991 scandals lingers in the story of Merv Griffin.

They serve as a reminder of the complexities behind fame—the hidden struggles, the sacrifices made to protect one’s image, and the cost of silence in an industry rife with power imbalances.

Griffin’s life was a blend of dazzling success and private turmoil, a tale of a man who truly had it all, but whose legacy was forever marked by a scandal that never quite went away.

In the end, Merv Griffin’s story is more than just about game shows and entertainment.

It’s about the human contradictions behind the spotlight, the masks we wear, and the secrets that even the brightest stars sometimes cannot escape.