A hugely accomplished Hollywood star has passed away at the age of 99. Alan Bergman, best known for writing the iconic song, “The Way We Were,” died at his Los Angeles home the night of Thursday, July 17, 2025. The Washington Post says the Oscar winner’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, confirmed the news, and revealed Bergman’s cause of death was a respiratory ailment.
Variety says Bergman is survived by family members including a daughter, Julie, and a granddaughter. His death comes just two months before he was to be honored at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage for his 100th birthday. The outlet says they learned from a family spokesperson that the celebration will go on as planned. Celebrity guests including comedian Seth MacFarlane, pianist Michael Feinstein, and composer Dave Grusin will be on hand to celebrate Bergman’s work.
Read on take a look back at the talented lyricist’s most memorable hits, awards, and career achievements.
Alan Bergman Penned ‘The Way We Were’ for Iconic Barbra Streisand Film
The renowned song “The Way We Were” was originally performed by Barbra Streisand and featured in the 1973 film of the same name, in which she starred across from Robert Redford.
In a 2024 interview with ASCAP composer and board member Dan Foliar, Bergman talked about the song. “The song had a function,” he said, recalling its value to the film. He referenced the scene when Redford is sitting at a bar and Streisand touches his hair, saying, “Then, the song starts. And it takes you back photographically. And in memory. It takes you back to when they were in college together. So that’s what its message was. Taking you back.”
Barbra Streisand Posted About Alan Bergman 3 Days Before His Death
Three days before the lyricist passed away, Streisand took to her Instagram account to promote Bergman’s upcoming birthday event, predicting it to be “an unforgettable night of song.” Now, fans have flooded the post with tributes to Bergman.
One admirer wrote, “My sincere condolences for the loss of your friend 💔 Their songs will live on forever.”
Another said, “I am so sorry for your loss. He and his wife were fabulous song writers.”
One fan called Bergman “one of the great songwriters of all time.”
Alan Bergman’s Wife & Songwriting Partner, Marilyn, Preceded Him In Death
Alan and Marilyn’s astoundingly long 64-year marriage lasted until her death in 2022 of non-COVID-related respiratory failure, per NPR.
Rolling Stone says Alan Bergman’s own recent respiratory illness had been going for months, but they learned from his publicist he “continued to write songs until the very end.
The outlet lists the couple’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, three Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and four Emmys among their top achievements.
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Oscar, Grammy & Emmy Winner Dies Peacefully After Massive Career Achievements