Alan Bergman, Oscar-Winning Lyricist Behind ‘The Way We Were,’ Dies at 99.
Alan Bergman, the celebrated lyricist whose words brought emotional depth to some of Hollywood’s most iconic songs, died Thursday night at his Los Angeles home. He was 99. A family spokesperson confirmed that Bergman had been facing respiratory issues in recent months but continued writing until his final days.
Bergman and his wife Marilyn, who died in 2022, formed one of the most successful songwriting duos in entertainment history. Married in 1958, they penned hundreds of timeless songs for film, television, and the stage — shaping the soundtrack of American cinema across generations.
Their lyrics were brought to life by musical legends such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, and Tony Bennett. Collaborating with composers like Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand, and Quincy Jones, the Bergmans created enduring classics including The Way We Were, The Windmills of Your Mind, How Do You Keep the Music Playing?, and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.
Their 1973 hit The Way We Were, performed by Streisand, became an anthem of nostalgia and earned them one of their three Academy Awards. The couple received 16 Oscar nominations in total, along with two Grammys, four Emmys, and numerous lifetime achievement honors.
Their work extended beyond film — writing TV theme songs for shows like Maude and Good Times, the Broadway musical Ballroom, and even the patriotic symphonic work Visions of America.
Alan remained active in music well into his 90s. In 2007, he released a solo album, Lyrically, Alan Bergman, and in 2011, Streisand honored the couple’s legacy with an album titled What Matters Most.
With Marilyn, Alan Bergman gave voice to cinematic romance and introspection, crafting lyrics that still resonate with listeners today. His death marks the end of an era — but their songs, full of memory and melody, live on.
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