Merci Montello, the December 1972 Playboy Playmate of the Month, was born on June 21, 1950, in New Jersey. She acquired her new surname after marrying Mickey Rooney Jr., whom she met while working as a "Bunny" at the Los Angeles Playboy Club. This blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty sported a classic 36-23-36 figure, making her a winning hand on both coasts.
Before becoming a Playboy bunny, Merci was self-employed as a decorator, seamstress, and dancer. Her ambition was to become an actress, which she unfortunately only achieved in a limited capacity. Merci's film career was marked by her having a different name in each picture she appeared in, including "Mercy Mee" in Space Thing (1968),"Merci Montello" in Erika's Hot Summer (1971),and "Merci Rooney" in Bloody Friday (1974).
In Bloody Friday, also known as The Single Girls (1973),Merci was shot in the stomach with a crossbow while walking in the woods. Her body was buried under leaves and straw, with only her hand sticking out to provide a plot device. This marked the end of her acting career and her time in the limelight.
Merci divorced Mickey Rooney Jr., who has since become a born-again Christian and minister. He often testifies about the folly of "Life in the Fast Lane" to his audiences.
