Old, Gay Hollywood

Merv Griffin’s sexual relations: old Hollywood’s forbidden secrets

Merv Griffin died in 2007, leaving behind a legacy that included Wheel Of FortuneJeopardy, hotels, side business ventures, and more than a billion dollars. Also, speculation.

Rumors about Griffin being a big ‘mo aren’t new, and this belief gained momentum due to two legal battles in the 90s: a palimony claim and a sexual harassment charge brought against him by men. Though dismissed, the lawsuits put Griffin on the spot, and while he never denied being gay, he didn’t own it either. The lack of response lead many wondering about Merv Griffin’s sexual relations.

Now, someone else is doing it for him.

Merv Griffin’s sexual relations roster of A-list companions

Alex Trebek, Vanna White, Merv Griffin, Pat Sajak at the Ceremony honoring Vanna White with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 20, 2006 in Hollywood, CA.
Alex Trebek, Vanna White, Merv Griffin, Pat Sajak at the Ceremony honoring Vanna White with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 20, 2006 in Hollywood, CA.

Author Darwin Porter entered the spotlight to shed light on Merv Griffin’s life, particularly regarding his sexual relationships and orientation. Porter had already established a niche for himself in posthumously revealing the hidden aspects of celebrities’ lives. He previously exposed Marlon Brando’s secrets and delved into the life of Katharine Hepburn. Now, with “Merv Griffin: A Life in the Closet,” Porter invited readers to explore the untold aspects of Griffin’s life.

As the book hit the shelves in 2009, Porter embarked on a media tour, including a stop at Cindy Adam’s column to discuss his findings, offering readers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Merv Griffin. Porter recalled his encounter with Griffin: 

“We met in ’59 when he sang for my senior prom and the student committee paid him $500. What he made then was a far cry from the billionaire he was at the end.”

However, the central focus of Porter’s work was not on Griffin’s financial success but on his intimate relationships.

“He lost his virginity to a female when Judy Garland seduced him.”

Darwin Porter on Merv Griffin losing his virgininty.

Porter continued, “He lost his virginity to a female when Judy Garland seduced him. His first crush was Errol Flynn, whom he saw passed out naked on a couch. His roommate for a year and a half was Montgomery Clift. He lived with Roddy McDowall at the Dakota, where he introduced Eddie Fisher to Elizabeth Taylor. Griffin maintained a virtual male harem and had a pimp who supplied porn stars. I focus on his A-list dates, like Rock Hudson, whom he met through Henry Wilson, Rock’s agent, and who advised him to keep his sexuality quiet.”

Darwin went on to say, “There was also a young James Dean involved in exchanging sex for money. Additionally, Tom Drake was among his companions. Peter Lawford, Robert Walker, and Gordon Scott, who played Tarzan at the time, were also mentioned, along with extensive details about Merv’s prolonged sexual relationship with Marlon Brando.”

Can’t say you’re not gay…if you’re dead

Merv Griffin's grave at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery and Mortuary
Merv Griffin’s grave at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery and Mortuary

Whether Porter referred to James Dean as a “glorified prostitute” or labeled Griffin as a “pimp,” the truth behind these claims is inconsequential regarding potential legal repercussions. Most of the individuals he discussed, including Griffin himself, had passed away. Did you know defamation claims cannot be made against the deceased? Lucky break!

While Porter’s exposé on Merv Griffin’s personal life has turned heads, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Are these stories truthful, or could they be embellished for added drama?

Plus, we can’t ignore the allure of sensationalism. Darwin Porter has a knack for weaving compelling narratives about celebrities who are no longer here to defend themselves. These are real people, and their lives were shaped by their times’ complexities, especially in the mysterious world of old Hollywood.

Porter’s book provide a window into the hidden corners of Merv Griffin’s life, in and out of the closet. But as readers, it’s our responsibility to strike a balance between curiosity and critical thinking. Is everything we read true? Certainly not!

So, while you may want to enjoy the intrigue, remember to sift through the narratives with a measure of skepticism – you little whores.

Why did Merv Griffin subscribe to the Queerty newsletter? Because even in the afterlife, he wanted the latest scoop on the fabulous side of fame!

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