Merv Griffin

GSN Honors Game Show Legend Merv Griffin the Weekend of August 18 With Five-Hour Marathons Saturday and Sunday

Saturday's Event Features Special 'Wheel of Fortune' Episodes While Sunday's Block Highlights 'Jeopardy' Both Marathons air 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET

Network Also Features Two Griffin-hosted Classics on Sunday Night

GSN is honoring the life of television great, Merv Griffin, the big band singer who became a popular TV talk-show host and prolific game show producer, in two very special marathon tributes the weekend of August 18. Griffin, who died Sunday, August 12, 2007, at the age of 82 from prostate cancer, was the creator of two of the longest running series to date, "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune."

He also was responsible for starting the careers of several award-winning hosts such as Chuck Woolery ("Wheel of Fortune"), Ryan Seacrest ("Click"), Art Fleming ("Jeopardy"), Pat Sajak ("Wheel of Fortune") and Vanna White ("Wheel of Fortune").

The GSN marathons are in two five-hour blocks Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET. Saturday's Griffin tribute will feature an early Woolery "Wheel of Fortune" appearance, White's debut in 1982 and the show's first road trip to New York City. Sunday's "Jeopardy" marathon includes "The $1,000,000 Masters Tournament of Champions" episodes.

Additionally, during its black-and-white programming block Sunday night, the network is showcasing episodes of two classic series which Griffin himself hosted. At 3:00 AM, GSN will air the first nighttime episode of "Play Your Hunch," (Griffin's first network hosting job) from 1960, in which Griffin sings. Following at 3:30 AM, is a 1961 "To Tell The Truth" episode featuring Griffin as its host filling in for a vacationing Bud Collyer.

Griffin had a very meaningful connection with GSN. When the network launched as Game Show Network on Dec. 1, 1994, he was one of the honored guests who flipped the switch launching the network.

About GSN
GSN is the entertainment industry leader in multi-platform interactive game programs. As the premier television network for games, GSN features challenging games, high intensity casino programs, live participation shows, reality series and documentaries. GSN's programming includes original series such as "Chain Reaction," "Lingo" and "High Stakes Poker," as well as the classics "Jeopardy" and "Pyramid," among others.

Complementing the network, GSN.com features all types of game play: innovative Flash games for fun, skill cash game tournaments and downloadable games. The website also features GSN's two-screen interactive play-along for prime time shows.

Now reaching more than 64 million homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at http://corp.gsn.com/.

Source: GSN
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 14, 2007 /PRNewswire/ --

Celebrity Entertainment Magazine

Statement by President Bush on the Death of Merv Griffin WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by President Bush: For over half a century, Merv Griffin entertained America. He was a man of innovation and energy who greeted challenges with laughter and determination. By following his passions and trusting his instincts, Merv became one of our Nation's best-known and most respected entertainers. He introduced Americans to a generation of talent on his talk show, created two of the most successful game shows in history, and led a thriving hospitality business. Merv was also a generous leader who gave back to his community, donating millions of dollars to provide abused children with safe haven and brighter futures. Laura and I are saddened by his death. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. Source: White House Press Office Statement by Mrs. Ronald Reagan LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- This is heartbreaking, not just for those of us who loved Merv personally, but for everyone around the world who has known Merv through his music, his television shows and his business. Ronnie and I knew Merv for more years than I can even remember -- more than fifty, I'm sure. He was a dear, dear friend and we became even closer in the last fifteen years. He was there for me on some of the hardest days when Ronnie was fighting Alzheimer's and he was there for me every day after Ronnie died. Merv meant the world to me. I will miss him -- and his brilliant smile, his wonderful voice, and the twinkle in his eyes -- every day for the rest of my life. My love and prayers are with Tony and the entire family. Source: Office of Nancy Reagan