Long-time TV host and producer Merv Griffin has passed away following decade-long battle with prostate cancer. Griffin had recently suffered a relapse and was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. on July 18.

Griffin launched his television career in the 1950′s and went on to become a household name after the Merv Griffin Show proved to be an instant hit with television viewers in 1965.

During the 1970′s, Griffin switched gears and became a powerhouse behind the cameras as a producer for popular TV game shows like Jeapordy! and the Wheel of Fortune. In 1986, Griffin pocketed $250 million when he sold his production company to Columbia Pictures Television.

“Merv gave me my break in show business. He was a mentor, a friend and my idol,” American Idol star Ryan Seacrest tells Us.

“Working with Merv will always be the highlight of my career,” notes Crosswords host Ty Treadway. “He was the ultimate entertainer, businessman and teacher. Merv was a legend who could make you smile with a song, a joke or his infectious laugh. He touched so many lives and will be deeply missed.”

Griffin continued to find major success througout the rest of his lifetime as a casino and real estate magnate, but still loooked back on his time in the spotlight fondly.

“It was 23 years of great fun,” he told Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends during his last interview in July.

Griffin is survived by a son, Tony Griffin, daughter-in-law Tricia, and two grandchildren, Farah and Donovan Mervyn.

Source: US Magazine