Alan Bergman, Celebrated Lyricist of 'The Way We Were,' Dies at 99

Alan Bergman, the iconic lyricist known for his collaboration with his wife Marilyn Bergman on timeless classics such as "The Way We Were" and "The Windmills of Your Mind," passed away at the age of 99. His death occurred late Thursday evening at his home in Los Angeles, as confirmed by family spokesperson Ken Sunshine on July 18, 2025. Bergman had been facing respiratory issues in recent months but remained active in his songwriting endeavors until the end of his life.
Born on September 11, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, Alan Bergman recognized his passion for music early on. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before pursuing graduate studies in music at UCLA. After a brief stint as a television director at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, he moved to Los Angeles to fully immerse himself in songwriting, guided by the mentorship of renowned songwriter Johnny Mercer.
The Bergmans' partnership, which began after their marriage in 1958, yielded a prolific output in music, television, and film. Their contributions to the American music landscape include collaborations with legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Barbra Streisand. Notably, Barbra Streisand became a key figure in their career, often interpreting their songs.
The couple's notable achievements include winning three Academy Awards. Their first Oscar came in 1969 for "The Windmills of Your Mind," which was featured in the film "The Thomas Crown Affair." This was followed by an Oscar for the title song of "The Way We Were" in 1974, shared with composer Marvin Hamlisch, and a third Oscar for the score of "Yentl" in 1984, once again collaborating with Michel Legrand. Their work consistently garnered nominations and accolades, with additional nominations for films like "Tootsie" and "Sabrina."
In addition to their film work, the Bergmans made significant contributions to television, composing theme music for popular shows such as "Maude," "Good Times," and "Alice." Their accolades extend beyond the Oscars to include four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and two Grammys, highlighting their enduring impact on American music.
The Bergmans were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, where they received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award in 1997. They were also recognized with the Grammy Trustee Award for lifetime achievement and were honored with honorary doctorates from both Berklee College of Music and the University of Massachusetts. Their legacy as songwriters is firmly established in the annals of American music history.
Following Marilyn Bergman's passing in January 2022, Alan continued to work, collaborating with jazz guitarist Pat Metheny on new songs that are set to be recorded for an upcoming album. Alan Bergman is survived by his daughter, Julie, and granddaughter, Emily Sender. He will be laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony. A tribute concert celebrating what would have been his 100th birthday is scheduled to take place at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage in September, honoring the couple's significant contribution to music.
The Bergman family has requested that donations in Alan Bergman's memory be made to the ASCAP Foundation Alan and Marilyn Bergman Lyric Award and the Johnny Mercer Foundation, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of songwriters.
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