Anecdotes

Along with Bob Quigley Heater came up with a concept for a game show called "Wacky Races" in which contestants would bet on various race cars. However, when it was presented to Fred Silverman, who at the time was in charge of daytime programming for CBS, he instead had it retooled to become a Saturday morning animated series that was produced by Hanna-Barbera with Heater and Quigley given co-producer credit.

His wife, Elaine Stewart, was the hostess on two of his game shows: Gambit (1972) and High Rollers (1974).

Merrill Heatter is the nephew of famous news broadcaster Gabriel Heatter, for whom his daughter Gabrielle is named.

Father, with Elaine Stewart, of son Stewart Heatter and daughter Gabrielle Heatter.

Longtime partner of Bob Quigley.