UPDATED: Friends React To The Death Of Merv Griffin

TV pioneer and legend Merv Griffin has died at the age of 82 from prostate cancer.

Hollywood heavyweights, celebrities, politicians and friends of Griffin have sent in their comments on what Merv meant to them.

But Merv’s legacy extends far beyond Hollywood, as Access Hollywood is the first outlet to receive a statement straight from the White House.

“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.” – President George W. Bush

“Merv was a very important part of my development as a comedian on television. Coming out cold and trying to score in five or six minutes is a very difficult thing to do. He made you feel comfortable. He always invited new talent to sit down with the other guests on the show, and feel a part of things. That feeling that Merv thought you could hold your own with the big names on the show was very comforting. I know that my generation of comics, all feel indebted to him. He was great to us, and he will be missed.” – Billy Crystal

“I really loved Merv. He was one of the kindest, most decent people I have ever met and he treated the big time celebrities and regular people exactly the same. I remember when I was a kid starting out, Merv was encouraging; it was no different when I took over ‘The Tonight Show.’ Merv always had a smile and a handshake, he was a really wonderful guy and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.” – Jay Leno

“Merv had such an ingratiating manner. He was the least intimidating and friendliest of us all. He was absolutely terrific. He served the guests with such kindness and they always appreciated it. And he was the best of all of us in terms of being a businessman. It is very sad.” – Regis Philbin

“Merv gave me my first break in show business. He was a mentor, a friend and my idol.” – Ryan Seacrest

“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.” – Former first lady Nancy Reagan

“Merv was not only the creator of my show Jeopardy!, he was also a friend. Over the past 24 years, I found him to be a very outgoing individual with a great lust for life, always eager to tell a joke, have fun, and entertain.

“Whatever project he tackled, he did with gusto and great effort, and because of that he became a giant in many facets of our industry — music, television talk shows, game shows, casinos, hotels and most recently, horse racing. He lead a very full life – on his own terms — and he will be missed.” – “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek

“The loss of a dear friend has made it difficult to focus on Merv’s enormous contribution to the world of entertainment. That will come in time; or now, like his family and so many of his close friends, I’m dealing with deep sadness and the realization that I will never hear that wonderful laugh of his again. He meant so much to my life, and it’s hard to imagine it without him.” – “Wheel Of Fortune” host, Pat Sajak

“My dear friend Nancy Reagan called me this morning with the very sad news that Merv Griffin, a beloved and longtime friend to both of us and our families, had passed away.

“Merv was an entertainment and business giant who excelled at whatever he put his mind to, and he will remain a legend in the hearts and minds of Californians forever.

“A native of the Golden State, Merv dedicated his career to entertaining people as a producer, singer, actor and host for more than 20 years of his own popular television talk show, where I was lucky enough to have been a guest.

“In fact, when Merv invited me on for the first time in 1974, his was the first talk show I was ever on in this country.

“We became good friends, and Merv has always been a big part of my success. He helped me gain exposure to American audiences and whenever I had a new movie in the works, Merv always took time out from his busy schedule to call or send me a note to say congratulations and wish me good luck.

“He appeared on the campaign trail with me during the recall election in 2003, and was always a source of great friendship and support to Maria and me, something we will cherish forever.

“Merv was a highly successful businessman and committed philanthropist, and he dedicated his life to giving back to his community and helping others. He loved to see people become successful, and his ambition, drive and incredible passion for life should serve as an inspiration to
people everywhere.

“Maria and I will continue praying for the comfort of Merv’s family and friends during this difficult time.” – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger