Yes, Merv was a wonderful man. He was not only a great entertainer; he was caring and an all around great guy. My Husband, Entertainer & Piano Man Tommy Zito, worked as summer entertainer for about 10 years at Merv Griffin’s Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, which will always remain a memorable time in our lives. Everyone there loved Merv so, you could feel excitement in the air when word spread, through the grape vine, that he may be making a visit. I think the thing people loved the most about him, was the fact that he was never too tall to stop and talk to anyone walking by. It was not uncommon to see him talking to everyone from hotel guests and high rollers to employees of all levels, or the average person on the street visiting the casino for the first time. You could tell he really enjoyed talking to people, sincerely cared and listened to what they had to say. It wasn’t hard to see how important it was to him, that everyone was happy and well taken care of as, he put a smile on the face of all he spoke to. He was also generous. I’m not sure I should mention this but, it just goes to prove what a wonderful person he was. Once, during a little play time in the casino after a performance, we saw Merv notice and talk to a lady who seemed a bit distressed and upset as she got up to leave a machine close to us. When he asked what was wrong, she proceeded to tell him that she was in big trouble as she had spent half of the mortgage payment her Husband had entrusted to her, for safe keeping, and didn’t know what to do or how she was going to explain it. After asking her how much she had spent, he reached in his pocket and handed her the money, under the stipulation she join her Husband back at their room and not gamble anymore during the visit. We were deeply touched by his gesture and have always wondered what other Casino owner, if any, would be so kind and generous. Many people also greatly respected Mr. Griffin because he wasn’t handed anything. He started out in the entertainment business, like many other struggling performers and singers, working long and hard to attain his goals and achieve such accomplishments,as he has. We are certainly among those who respect him and consider ourselves blessed to have known him. Our hearts and prayers go out to Tony and family. Sincerely, Jan & Tommy Zito

I miss those days when a great interviewer like Merv could bring out the best in celebrities and have revealing conversations about everyday life.

I'll miss Merv. I did a brief post on Merv today, along with the last photo I took of him back in March.

Palm Springs Savant

I hate the fact that I am old enough to remember talk shows like Merv, Mike Douglas and Dinah Shore, but so be it. Truly, a simpler time. Shows that were, above all...pleasant. The closest thing today just happens to be helmed by one of Merv's contemporaries: Regis.
So long, Merv--well done, sir.