Candice Bergen is a name synonymous with elegance, intelligence, and immense talent. From her remarkable acting career to her iconic role as Murphy Brown, Candice has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Born into a family deeply rooted in entertainment, she navigated the complexities of Hollywood with grace and determination. This article delves into her life, career, and personal journey, exploring her roots, achievements, and the key moments that define her legacy.

Early Life and Family Background

Candice Bergen was born on May 9, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, under the starry skies of Hollywood. Her father, Edgar Bergen, was a renowned ventriloquist and actor, famous for his work with the puppet “Charlie McCarthy.” Her mother, Frances Bergen, was a model and actress, giving Candice early exposure to the world of entertainment. Candice’s sister, Kris Bergen, is a television film editor and actor, completing the family unit.

Her upbringing was marked by the unique world of show business, but Candice also developed a deep connection to her Swedish and German-English heritage. Her father’s side hailed from Sweden, with his roots tracing back to Vanneberga, Vinslov, and Rattelov, Stoby, in Skåne. Her mother’s background was a blend of German and English descent, adding to the multicultural tapestry of her family.

Video:

Career Highlights and Achievements

Candice Bergen’s career spans over five decades, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and a television personality. While she gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as Murphy Brown on the eponymous sitcom, her career extends far beyond that role.

Breakthrough with Murphy Brown

Candice’s most significant contribution to television came with the role of Murphy Brown, a tough-as-nails journalist who broke barriers on the small screen. The show, which aired from 1988 to 1998, was praised for its tackling of relevant social issues such as feminism, single motherhood, and political correctness. Candice’s portrayal of Murphy earned her widespread acclaim, including seven consecutive Emmy nominations and five wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Her role as Murphy Brown was not only groundbreaking because of her character’s strong-willed personality but also due to the controversy it sparked. In 1992, U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle publicly criticized the show for depicting a character having a baby out of wedlock. The backlash that Quayle faced helped solidify the show’s place in pop culture history, and Murphy Brown remained a beloved part of television history until its final season in 1998.

Film and Other Notable Roles

While Murphy Brown brought her into the limelight, Candice Bergen’s career is rich with diverse roles in both television and film. She made her film debut in the 1960s and later starred in notable films such as Starting Over (1979), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and The Women (2008), where she played the mother of Meg Ryan’s character.

In addition to her work in film, Candice had a remarkable career in television. She was the first female host of Saturday Night Live in 1975, a milestone in late-night television. Not only was she the first woman to host the show, but she also became the first person to host SNL twice. Her guest spots on Boston Legal and Family Guy further demonstrate her diverse talents and willingness to take on unique roles.

Family Life: The Heart of Candice Bergen’s Journey

Candice Bergen’s personal life has often been a topic of interest to the public, with her relationships and family dynamic adding depth to her public persona.

Marriages and Children

Candice has been married twice. Her first marriage was to French director Louis Malle in 1980, and they remained together until his untimely death in 1995. Together, they had one daughter, Chloe Malle, who was born on November 8, 1985. After Louis’ passing, Candice married Marshall Rose, a New York real estate magnate, in 2000.

Chloe Malle, Candice’s only child, grew up in a household surrounded by creativity and the arts. Candice became a grandmother for the first time at the age of 74 when Chloe gave birth to a son, Arthur Louis Albert, in 2020, and again at 75, when Chloe welcomed a daughter, Alice Malle Albert, in 2022.

Her Role as a Stepmother

Candice’s role as a stepmother to Manuel Cuotemoc Malle and Justine Malle has been equally fulfilling. Her blended family remains close-knit, and Candice often speaks about the joy and challenges of balancing her career with her family responsibilities.

Personal Life and Intriguing Facts

Candice Bergen’s life is peppered with interesting and sometimes surprising facts that reflect her complex character.

Health Struggles and Triumphs

In 2011, Candice publicly revealed that she had suffered a stroke, but she was fortunate to make a full recovery. This experience, while personal and challenging, did not deter her from her career and personal endeavors. Prior to the stroke, Candice had been hospitalized due to high blood pressure, prompting media speculation about her health. However, her publicist quickly clarified that Candice had not suffered a stroke at that time.

Early Career and Educational Setbacks

Before rising to fame, Candice attended the University of Pennsylvania, but she was expelled after failing two subjects. One of those courses was art, and she admitted to struggling with the early 8 a.m. class. Despite this setback, Candice’s career trajectory would be anything but typical. She later studied drama at the Herbert Berghof HB Studio in Greenwich Village, New York City, which helped shape her future in acting.

Candice’s Hollywood Relationships

Candice’s romantic life also garnered attention over the years. In her youth, she was once involved with Donald Trump during her college years. Their date, according to Candice, was uneventful, marked by no physical contact and Trump’s distinctive style of arriving in a burgundy suit, loafers, and limousine.

Her friendships with other iconic Hollywood figures have also been noteworthy. She has maintained close ties with actresses like Ali MacGraw, Jane Fonda, and Diane Keaton, sharing mutual respect and admiration for one another. Additionally, Candice is well-known for her appearance alongside her father on The Muppet Show, making them the only parent-child duo to appear separately on the iconic show.

Legacy and Impact

Candice Bergen’s legacy is defined not just by her stellar career, but also by her resilience and ability to adapt to changing times. Whether tackling societal issues on Murphy Brown or taking on various roles in film and television, Candice has proven herself to be more than just a Hollywood actress—she’s a trailblazer who continues to shape the entertainment industry.

Her candidness, wit, and depth of character have made her a beloved figure both on and off the screen. As she continues to enjoy her time as a grandmother and pursue new projects, Candice Bergen’s influence remains ever-present, and her impact on Hollywood is undeniable.