Candice Patricia Bergen, born on May 9, 1946, in Beverly Hills, California, is a prominent American actress, former fashion model, and television host. Best known for her role as the sharp-witted journalist Murphy Brown in the television sitcom of the same name, Candice has had a successful career spanning several decades across film, television, and stage. She is also known for her work as a photojournalist and for her advocacy for women’s rights.
| Full Name | Candice Patricia Bergen |
| Birthdate | May 9, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Beverly Hills, California, USA |
| Age | 78 years old (as of 2024) |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, TV Host, Journalist |
| Years Active | 1965–present |
| Famous Role | Murphy Brown in Murphy Brown (1988–1998, 2018) |
| Spouse(s) | Louis Malle (m. 1980; d. 1995), Marshall Rose (m. 2000) |
| Children | Chloé Françoise Malle |
| Parents | Edgar Bergen, Frances Bergen |
Early Life and Education
Candice Bergen was born into a family deeply connected to Hollywood. Her father, Edgar Bergen, was a famous ventriloquist and radio performer, while her mother, Frances Bergen, was a model and actress. Raised in Beverly Hills, Candice was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age. She attended the University of Pennsylvania but left before completing her degree to pursue a career in acting.
Career
Early Career
Candice Bergen began her career as a model in the 1960s, appearing on magazine covers and in fashion spreads. However, her interest soon shifted to acting, and she made her film debut in 1966 in the movie “The Group”. Her early films included “Carnal Knowledge” (1971) and “The Wind and the Lion” (1975).
Breakthrough Role: “Murphy Brown”
Bergen’s most iconic role came in 1988 when she was cast as the lead in the TV sitcom “Murphy Brown”, where she played a strong, independent journalist and news anchor. The show was a major success, running for 10 seasons and earning Bergen five Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes.
The role of Murphy Brown became a cultural touchstone, especially as it touched on relevant social and political issues. The character’s decision to be a single mother became a focal point of public and political discussion, even drawing commentary from then-Vice President Dan Quayle.
Later Career
After “Murphy Brown,” Bergen continued to act in various films and TV shows, including movies like “Miss Congeniality” (2000) and “Sweet Home Alabama” (2002). She also appeared in recurring roles in TV series such as “Boston Legal” and “The Michael J. Fox Show”. In 2018, Bergen reprised her role as Murphy Brown for a reboot of the classic show, though the revival only lasted for one season.
Other Ventures
Beyond acting, Candice Bergen has had a successful career as a photojournalist, writing articles and photographing for major publications such as Life and Playboy. She also hosted “Saturday Night Live” multiple times, becoming one of the first women to do so.
Personal Life
Candice Bergen married French film director Louis Malle in 1980, and they had one daughter, Chloé Françoise Malle, born in 1985. Bergen and Malle remained married until his death in 1995. In 2000, Bergen married New York real estate magnate Marshall Rose.
Bergen has been open about her personal struggles, including dealing with the death of her first husband and her later battle with weight issues. She is a supporter of several causes, including women’s rights and environmental conservation.
Family
- Father: Edgar Bergen (ventriloquist, comedian, actor)
- Mother: Frances Bergen (model, actress)
- Daughter: Chloé Françoise Malle (b. 1985)
- First Husband: Louis Malle (m. 1980–1995, his death)
- Second Husband: Marshall Rose (m. 2000–present)
Awards and Recognition
- 5 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Murphy Brown.
- 2 Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star recipient.
Candice Bergen: Net Worth Table
| Film and TV | Earnings from acting in films and TV shows, including Murphy Brown and various movies like Miss Congeniality. |
| Modeling | Early career as a fashion model for magazines and advertisements. |
| Photojournalism | Contributions to major publications, including Life and Playboy. |
| TV Hosting and Appearances | Hosting Saturday Night Live and other TV appearances. |
| Estimated Net Worth | $50 million (as of 2024) |
Conclusion
Candice Bergen is a versatile actress and cultural icon whose work has left an indelible mark on both television and film. Her portrayal of Murphy Brown in the groundbreaking series of the same name made her a household name and an influential figure in entertainment. Over the years, Bergen has demonstrated her range as an actress, writer, and journalist while maintaining a strong personal life and advocacy for social causes.
