The Private Life Of Margot Merrill: 5 Facts About Bette Davis's Daughter After Her Passing

The life of Margot Mosher Merrill, the adopted daughter of legendary Hollywood actress Bette Davis and her fourth husband, Gary Merrill, was one lived almost entirely outside the glare of the public spotlight. Unlike her famous mother, whose life was a dramatic saga played out on the silver screen and in the tabloids, Margot’s story was one of quiet dignity, defined by lifelong health challenges and the constant, specialized care she required. As of December 14, 2025, the most significant and recent news regarding Margot Merrill is the confirmation of her passing in 2022, bringing renewed public interest to the circumstances of her unique and often misunderstood life.

The public’s enduring curiosity about Margot stems from the dramatic and often contentious relationship Bette Davis had with her children, famously documented in the controversial book "My Mother's Keeper." This article delves into the essential facts of Margot Merrill's life, her health, her family, and the legacy she leaves behind as a crucial, yet private, figure in the Davis-Merrill family history.

Margot Merrill Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Margot Mosher Merrill (sometimes listed as Margot M. Merrill)
• Date of Birth: January 26, 1951
• Date of Adoption: Adopted in 1951 by Bette Davis and Gary Merrill
• Adoptive Mother: Bette Davis (1908–1989), legendary two-time Academy Award-winning actress
• Adoptive Father: Gary Merrill (1915–1990), actor and Davis’s fourth husband
• Adoptive Siblings: B.D. Hyman (Davis’s biological daughter) and Michael Merrill (adopted son)
• Health Condition: Diagnosed with brain damage (mental retardation) at the age of three
• Primary Residence/Care: Lived for most of her life at the Lochland School in Geneva, New York, a specialized care facility
• Death: Passed away peacefully on May 4, 2022
• Place of Death: Revere, Massachusetts (formerly of Winthrop, MA)

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: Brain Damage at Age Three

Margot Merrill was adopted by Bette Davis and Gary Merrill in 1951, shortly after her birth. Initially, she was described as a happy baby, but by the age of three, her parents noticed developmental delays and difficulties. Following medical consultation, Margot was diagnosed with brain damage, which was referred to at the time as "mental retardation." This diagnosis profoundly impacted the trajectory of her life and her relationship with her famous mother.

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Bette Davis, despite her demanding Hollywood career, was reportedly devoted to her daughter's care, but the severity of Margot’s condition necessitated specialized, full-time attention that the family was unable to provide at home. This difficult decision led to Margot being placed in a specialized facility, the Lochland School in Geneva, New York, where she received the dedicated care and structured environment she needed for most of her life. The move was a source of great personal pain for Davis, who once confided to biographer Ed Sikov that it was "the most difficult" thing she ever had to do.

The separation, though necessary for Margot's well-being, fueled public and media speculation about Davis's mothering, a narrative that was later sensationalized by B.D. Hyman's tell-all book. However, those close to the family maintained that Davis ensured Margot was well-cared for and visited her regularly. The specialized environment allowed Margot to live a life that was stable and supportive, away from the chaos of a celebrity household.

Margot’s Life at Lochland School and Public Appearances

The Lochland School became Margot’s long-term home, providing a safe and nurturing environment tailored to her needs. While she lived a private life, she was not entirely shielded from the world. Like many individuals with developmental disabilities, Margot found joy and purpose in structured activities and community involvement.

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One notable instance of her public life was her participation in the Special Olympics at a young age. This event highlighted her ability to engage in activities and achieve personal milestones, a fact that her father, Gary Merrill, often spoke about. Merrill once expressed the heartbreaking reality of her condition, noting her desire to live a typical life—to "have babies, hold a job, get married"—and her awareness that she could not. Despite these limitations, Margot's life at Lochland was a testament to resilience and the importance of dedicated care.

The decision to keep Margot out of the spotlight was a deliberate choice by Davis and Merrill, intended to protect her from the intense scrutiny of the media. This protective measure meant that for decades, information about Margot was scarce, making her the most elusive of Bette Davis's three children. The focus on her care facility and her well-being over her mother's fame defined her existence.

The Family Legacy and The Will Controversy

Margot Merrill's place in the Davis family narrative is complex, particularly concerning Bette Davis's estate. When Bette Davis passed away in 1989, she famously cut two of her children and her grandsons out of her will. The primary beneficiaries of her estate were her adopted son, Michael Merrill, and her secretary, Kathryn Sermak.

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Crucially, Margot Merrill was also excluded from the will. However, this exclusion was not an act of malice or estrangement. It was understood that because Margot required and received specialized, lifelong care, a trust fund or other financial arrangements were already in place to ensure her continuous support. The structure of Davis's will ensured that her estate would pass to those who could manage it, while Margot’s needs were already secured through separate means, which is a common practice in estate planning for dependents with special needs.

The family dynamic was further complicated by the publication of B.D. Hyman’s book, which painted a negative picture of Davis's parenting. While the book focused heavily on the relationship between Davis and B.D., Margot’s quiet life provided a stark contrast to the public drama. Her brother, Michael Merrill, has since worked to uphold his mother’s legacy and has provided details about the family’s efforts to care for Margot throughout her life.

The Latest News: Margot Merrill’s Passing in 2022

The most recent and definitive update about Margot Merrill came in May 2022, with the publication of her obituary. Margot M. Merrill "peacefully passed away on May 4, 2022," in Revere, Massachusetts. This news brought a quiet close to a life that had been marked by both challenge and unwavering care. The obituary confirmed she was predeceased by her father, Gary Merrill, and her adoptive mother, Bette Davis.

While the obituary was brief, it served as a final acknowledgment of her existence and the end of her journey. The information reaffirmed that she had been living in the Massachusetts area, likely at a care facility, in the years leading up to her death. Her passing, though not a major headline, was a significant event for those who followed the life stories of Hollywood's Golden Age stars and their families. It closed a chapter on the private life of the daughter who, despite her famous lineage, was determined to be protected from the public eye. The legacy of Margot Merrill is one of quiet strength, a reminder of the personal sacrifices and complex realities that often lie beneath the surface of celebrity glamour.