Devoted to show business and the entertainment industry

Merv Griffin's creation 'Jeopardy!' was launched after the big quiz show scandals of the 1950s. At the time he was trying to get a game show on the air but none of the networks would commit after the fiascos of the 1950s. So Griffin said that his wife suggested this "Why don't you do a show where you give the contestants the answers?" His response was "How do you think all those people just got sent to jail?"

Nonetheless, it was created and continues successfully to this day and will probably outlast Griffin who is now 80 years old.

Like I always tell those in any area of life searching for success, you never know where inspiration for your ideas will come from. This is the first time I heard that Griffin's wife had the initial idea for Jeopardy.

Of course the game shows have been a huge chunk of his fortune (he sold Merv Griffin Enterprises, which produces them, to Coca-Cola in 1986 for $250 million).

Another little tip to keep in mind with your creations: You know the little "Jeopardy!" theme song? That alone has provided more than $80 million in revenue for Griffin. Make sure you keep the royalties and license things out.