Bob Merrill

Many of the songs Bob Merrill composed for Broadway and movie musicals have become American standards. Some of his most popular hits include "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" and "If I Knew You Were Coming I'd Have Baked a Cake." Over his long career, he received nominations for Oscars, Grammys, and Tonys for songs from shows such as Funny Girl, Take Me Along, and Carnival. In addition to songwriting, Merrill occasionally wrote screenplays. His best-known screen work included Mahogany (1975) and W.C. Fields & Me (1976). On February 17, 1998, the 76-year-old Merrill, who had been suffering from chronic gastrointestinal problems, shot himself in the head while sitting in his car outside his Los Angeles home.

~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide