Bontia "Bo" Griffin, a former South Florida radio host who also worked in local and cable television, died Tuesday from intestinal cancer. Griffin was 51.Griffin turned the "Mindy and Bo Morning Show" on dance-pop and R&B station Power 96 (WPOW, 96.5 FM) into one of the most popular morning programs in South Florida in the 1980s and '90s.
She was also on Hot 105 (WHQT, FM 105.1) and did entertainment reporting for a local TV station.
"The world has lost an amazing talent," Power 96 personality DJ Laz said. "Bo, you were my friend, my co-worker and my mentor for many years. You inspired everyone that was fortunate enough to hear your voice."
Griffin, who moved to her native South Carolina and until recently owned a successful boutique in Greenville, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in January.
Her career as a TV personality blossomed after she left South Florida, appearing on "Good Day Live" and guest-hosting the Game Show Network's "GSN Live."
Griffin hosted the travel series "Blue Ribbon" on Turner South and the home makeover show "The Big Reveal" for HGTV as well.
Griffin recently sold her boutique because she planned to move back to Los Angeles full-time.
BV Buzz online reports that she had apparently just signed on to work as a correspondent for the news magazine show "Extra," where she had done previous stints.
Griffin was working as a waitress in New York City when her acting coach told her she had a great voice for radio.
Her first job was at WSRC in Durham, N.C., in 1983.
In September 1984, she went to work at WEDR in Miami, moved to HOT-105, and then Power 96 in 1988.
Griffin is survived by several family members, including her father, the Rev. David L. Hellams, and two sisters, Polly Peterson and Cindy Griffin.
This morning, during the DJ Laz Morning Show, Bo's former co-hosts Mindy Frumkes-Baer, DJ Felix Sama, and Mark Moseley, play homerage to the legendary DJ who made Power 96 the station we all enjoyed since the 80s.
Below is a picture of the DJs at Power 96 during the 80s and 90s.
In this photo: Don Cox, Phil Jones, Mindy Frumkes Baer, Mark Mosely, Cramer Haas, Bill Tanner, Gino Latno, Bo Griffin, G Michael McKay, Dennis Reese, Mike Ritter & Kathy Wild West
Bo may you rest in peace.
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