Adopted Bette Davis' daughter from a previous marriage, Barbara Davis Sherry.
Adopted daughter Barbara Merrill legally changed her name from Barbara Davis Merrill to Barbara Davis Sherry, to cut any ties from her adopted father.
Born in Connecticut, his family had long had roots in New England, and in fact some of his ancestors arrived on the Mayflower.
Daughter Margot Merrill was named after Bette Davis' character, Margo Channing, in All About Eve (1950).
Joined the Army Air Force Special Services in 1941.
Two adopted children with Bette Davis: Michael Merrill and Margot Merrill.
Was a Bowdoin and Trinity College student.