All About Bette Davis’ 3 Children, Barbara, Margot and Michael

**The Complex Legacy of Bette Davis as a Mother**

Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, became a mother later in life, welcoming her first child at the age of 39. The year was 1947 when Davis gave birth to her daughter, Barbara “B.D.” Hyman, with her then-husband, William Grant Sherry. Following a divorce in 1950, she married actor Gary Merrill, with whom she adopted two more children, Margot and Michael. Despite the glamour that surrounded her professional life, Davis’s relationships with her children were far from straightforward, often marred by controversy and estrangement.

In an interview with *The New York Times* in April 1981, Davis reflected on the timing of her motherhood, stating, “I did not have my first child until I was 39. My career was made. I was only making one or two films a year. Those years were to be with my children and to enjoy them.” This sentiment captures her hopes for a familial bond, yet the dynamics within her household would later unfold with unexpected complexity.

B.D. Hyman, the eldest of Davis’s children, became a notable figure in her own right. Born on May 1, 1947, B.D. was later adopted by Gary Merrill after Davis and Merrill’s marriage. B.D.’s relationship with her mother was tumultuous. She appeared in several of Davis’s films during her youth, including playing her daughter in “Payment on Demand” in 1951 and having a cameo in the iconic “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” in 1962. However, it was B.D.’s literary endeavours that ultimately strained their relationship.

In 1985, B.D. published a memoir titled *My Mother’s Keeper*, which presented her mother in a negative light, alleging heavy drinking and emotional manipulation. While B.D. claimed that her aim was to foster better communication with Davis, the book instead served as a wedge between them, leading to a permanent estrangement. Davis expressed her heartbreak over her daughter’s revelations, stating that the publication of B.D.’s book was “catastrophic.”

Davis’s subsequent memoir, *This ‘N That*, published in 1987, included an open letter to her daughter, highlighting the depth of their misunderstanding. “Your goal was not reached. I am now utterly confused as to who you are,” Davis lamented, encapsulating the disintegration of their relationship. When Davis passed away in 1989, B.D. was notably excluded from her will, a stark reflection of the rift that had widened over the years.

Margot Merrill, Davis’s second child, was adopted in 1951. Unfortunately, Margot faced considerable challenges from early on, being diagnosed with brain damage shortly after birth. Despite her struggles, Davis endeavoured to include Margot in family activities, showcasing a fierce devotion to her daughter. Margot eventually settled in Boston and engaged with community support through organisations such as Bay Cove Human Services. She also participated in the Special Olympics, illustrating her resilience and love for life.

Margot passed away in May 2022, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance. Her obituary noted her contagious laugh and her ability to find joy despite the difficulties she faced. Friends and family remembered her as a loving spirit who had a profound impact on those who knew her.

Davis’s third child, Michael Merrill, was also adopted and pursued a successful career in law and business after completing his studies at Boston University. Like B.D., Michael found himself navigating the tumultuous waters of family dynamics, particularly following the publication of B.D.’s memoir. After her revelations, Michael distanced himself from his sister, illustrating the fractured state of the family.

Despite the complications within her personal life, Davis held a firm belief in her role as a mother. In a 1987 interview, she reflected, “I think I was a good mother … I loved my children very, very much,” showing a sense of fulfilment in her maternal identity. Following her death, Michael inherited half of Davis’s estate, worth approximately $1 million, indicating at least a degree of acknowledgment of their bond.

In 1997, Michael co-founded The Bette Davis Foundation, aimed at providing financial assistance to students pursuing acting at Boston University. The foundation has also honoured numerous actors with the Bette Davis Lifetime Achievement Award over the years.

Throughout her life, Bette Davis exhibited a complicated interplay between her career accolades and her personal struggles as a mother. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the intricacies of familial relationships, particularly when overshadowed by public life. While B.D., Margot, and Michael each carved out their individual paths, their identities remain interwoven with the extraordinary but tumultuous legacy of their mother.