Merv Griffin 1925-2007

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He was the warm show-biz uncle who wanted everyone he brought on his talk show to become a star—and some did, including Richard Pryor and George Carlin. He laughed at his guests' jokes, gushed at their stories and perfected a breezy, unironic manner. The former Big Band singer's instincts also informed his entrepreneurship. In 1964 he created Jeopardy! and later invented history's most successful game show, Wheel of Fortune. Some called his shows fluff, but they drew huge audiences because Griffin understood how simple TV could be.

View the full list for "Person of the Year 2007"

Next: David Halberstam 1934-2007 >>

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In Tribute

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Video

TIME's Interview with Vladimir Putin

At his dacha outside Moscow, the Russian President spoke candidly about corruption, religion and how he thinks the war in Iraq should end

Person of the Year 2007

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