Merv Griffin was an American television host and media mogul best known for creating the game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” He was born on July 6, 1925, in San Mateo, California, as Mervyn Edward Griffin Jr. His father, Mervyn Sr. worked as a stockbroker while his mother Elizabeth was a full-time homemaker. Growing up, Griffin showed interest in music by joining his church choir and playing the piano for extra money. He attended San Mateo High School and then finished his degree at the University of San Francisco.
Griffin made his debut in show business at 19 years old when started singing on the radio show, “San Francisco Sketchbook.” In 1945, the budding show star established his record label, Panda Records, and produced his most popular song, “I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts.” During one of his performances, Griffin met American actress, Doris Day, who introduced her to supporting roles in musical films. Griffin appeared in “So This Is Love” and made waves by doing the first open-mouthed kiss in Hollywood with fellow actress, Kathryn Grayson. After his time in film, Griffin decided to pursue television full-time.
In 1965, Griffin launched “The Merv Griffin Show” with Westinghouse Broadcasting with his co-host, Arthur Treacher. The show was a massive success and ran for more than two decades, earning its host and cast at least 11 Emmy Awards along the way. Around the same time, Griffin created one of the most successful television game shows of all time: “Jeopardy!” He also created and produced “Wheel of Fortune” which was another hit with network ratings. Both shows remain on the air up to this day.
At the time of his passing on August 12, 2007, Griffin was one of the wealthiest figures in Hollywood. In addition to his game shows, the media mogul also gained assets by buying hotels, resorts, and casinos. While his massive wealth was an open secret, Griffin’s personal life was far more private. There have been a lot of speculations about his true sexuality since his death. So, was Merv Griffin gay? Let’s uncover his alleged double life below.
VOTE: What was Merv Griffin’s Sexuality?
Merv Griffin’s Relationships
When it came to his relationships, Griffin was an extremely private person. It’s worth noting that the television show host was only married once in his entire life. In 1958, Griffin met Julann Elizabeth Wright, a comedienne and founder of the First Women’s Bank of California, while he was a guest on Robert Q. Lewis’ show. The couple got married not long after and had their only child, Anthony Patrick Griffin. Sadly, Griffin and Wright divorced in 1976 but remained good friends despite their split.
Griffin was also linked to multiple women throughout his life. He was known for his close friendship with actress Eva Gabor. However, the two maintained that they were only friends and never lovers. Others suspected that his relationship with Gabor was a way to cover up his suspected homosexuality.
Griffin also had a personal connection with former First Lady, Nancy Reagan. They shared the same birthday, so they often exchanged birthday greetings. It’s worth mentioning that Griffin was also an honorary pallbearer during President Reagan’s funeral in 2004. Whatever the true nature of their relationship, the public will never know.
Merv Griffin’s Double Life
Griffin always remained coy when it came to his sexuality. In a 2005 interview with The New York Times, the mogul called himself a “quarter-sexual” meaning that “he will do anything with anybody for a quarter.” His ambiguous answer didn’t help the growing speculation surrounding his true gender identity.
After Griffin passed away in 2007, The Hollywood Reporter published a bold statement claiming that he was gay. According to writer, Ray Richmond, it was an open secret in Hollywood that Griffin was a homosexual. Richmond expressed his dismay, sharing that Griffin could have been a great figure for the LGBTQ community had he chosen to come out of the closet. The writer further stated that show business needed more people, like the media mogul, who were in power to “send a powerful message” to the public.
Richmond received criticism from Griffin’s family and friends, urging the writer to alter some parts of the article.
Merv Griffin’s Lawsuits
In 1991, a man named Brent Plott claimed that he was Griffin’s lover and sued the mogul for breach of contract. According to Plott, the pair first had a romantic relationship and lived together for four years. He also stated that Griffin promised him “solace and emotional support.” Plott also claimed that he was a business consultant for Griffin and was involved in the decision-making process for “Wheel of Fortune.”
This is a shameless attempt to extort money from me. This former bodyguard and horse trainer was paid $250 a week, lived in one of two apartments underneath my former house as part of his security function, and left my payroll six or seven years ago. His charges are ridiculous and untrue.”
Merv Griffin to the Los Angeles Times, 1991
Although the case was eventually dismissed, the war wasn’t over for Griffin. Within the same year, Deney Terrio sued the media mogul for sexual harassment. Terrio was a host for “Dance Fever” which was also produced by Griffin. According to Terrio, he was sexually assaulted by Griffin in 1978.
Commencing in 1978 and continuing through the parties’ business relationship, the Defendant, Merv Griffin, made ongoing explicit homosexual advances towards [Terrio]. Griffin persisted in said advances, often speaking of the financial gains that [Terrio] would enjoy.”
Deney Terrio’s lawsuit statement, 1991
The court dismissed the case the following year. However, the public scandals encouraged gay men to wear shirts with the slogan: “I didn’t sleep with Merv.” Since then, Griffin has stayed clear from the LGBTQ community.
Despite the unclear label on Griffin’s sexuality, many people still insist that the television host was indeed gay. Apparently, staffers from Griffin’s shows maintained that his gayness was understood but never discussed. They were aware of his relationships but they never pried since it wasn’t any of their business.
Was Merv Griffin Gay?
Yes, Merv Griffin was gay. Although Griffin himself never confirmed the speculation, it’s strongly believed that he was a homosexual. Since the media mogul was married and had children, fans may assume that Griffin was at least bisexual. In 2007, The Hollywood Reporter released an article claiming that Griffin was gay.
Featured Image: “Merv Griffin”, by Linda Bisset, licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED