40 Facts About Candice Bergen

Early Life and Family

Candice Bergen's life began in the heart of Hollywood, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.

1. Candice Patricia Bergen was born on May 9, 1946, in Beverly Hills, California.
2. Her father, Edgar Bergen, was a famous ventriloquist and radio comedian.
3. Her mother, Frances Bergen (née Westerman), was a professional model known as Frances Westcott.
4. Candice made her radio debut at the age of six on her father's show, "The Edgar Bergen Hour."
5. Her first screen appearance was in a 1958 episode of Groucho Marx's game show, "You Bet Your Life."

Education and Early Career

Despite her early exposure to Hollywood, Bergen's path to stardom wasn't straightforward.

6. Bergen attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied art and history.
7. She was expelled after two years due to poor attendance in her 8am art class.
8. Before acting, she worked as a fashion model, becoming the Tawny Girl for Revlon in 1964.
9. She appeared on the covers of magazines such as Vogue and McCalls.
10. Her acting debut came in 1966 with the film "The Group," directed by Sidney Lumet.

Breakthrough Roles

Bergen's talent soon shone through, earning her critical acclaim and recognition.

11. Her breakthrough role was in "Carnal Knowledge" (1971), where she played a co-ed who comes between Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel.
12. In "The Wind and the Lion" (1975), she starred as a prim American lady kidnapped by Moroccan sheikh Sean Connery.
13. She showcased her comedic side in "Starting Over" (1979), earning an Academy Award nomination.
14. Bergen began working as a photographer and photojournalist in the early 1970s, with her work appearing in magazines such as Esquire and Life.
15. She made history as the first female guest host of Saturday Night Live in 1975.

Murphy Brown

Candice Bergen's most iconic role came with the CBS sitcom "Murphy Brown."

16. She portrayed Murphy Brown, a sharp-witted and independent television journalist, from 1988 to 1998.
17. The show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a single mother by choice.
18. Bergen won five Emmy Awards for her performance, declining further nominations after her fifth win.
19. In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle criticized Murphy Brown for having a baby out of wedlock, sparking a national debate.
20. Bergen later stated that she agreed with Quayle's sentiments about fathers not being dispensable.

Awards and Recognition

Bergen's exceptional talent has earned her numerous accolades.

21. She won five Emmy Awards for her role in "Murphy Brown" (1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1995).
22. She also won two Golden Globe Awards for her work on the show.
23. Bergen has appeared in several other television shows, including "Seinfeld," "Ink," and "Family Guy."
24. Her versatility in television has been a hallmark of her career.
25. In 2005, Bergen joined the cast of "Boston Legal", earning her two more Emmy nominations.

Film Career

Candice Bergen has also made significant contributions to the film industry.

26. She starred in "Gandhi" (1982), playing photographer Margaret Bourke-White.
27. In "Miss Congeniality" (2000), she played a high-powered FBI agent.
28. She appeared in "Sweet Home Alabama" (2002) and "The In-Laws" (2003).
29. Her recent work includes "Rules Don’t Apply" (2016) and "Home Again" (2017).
30. She starred in "Book Club" (2018) alongside Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, and Mary Steenburgen.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond her professional achievements, Bergen's personal life and philanthropic efforts are noteworthy.

31. Bergen married French director Louis Malle in 1980, a union that lasted until his death in 1995.
32. She has been open about her experiences with breast cancer, using her platform to raise awareness.
33. Bergen is an advocate for women’s rights and has been involved in various charitable endeavors.
34. Her activism and philanthropy reflect her commitment to social causes beyond entertainment.
35. She has written two autobiographies: "Knock Wood" (1984) and "A Fine Romance" (2015).

Legacy and Influence

Candice Bergen's legacy extends far beyond her iconic role as Murphy Brown.

36. Her contributions to film, television, and journalism have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
37. Bergen's portrayal of Murphy Brown helped redefine the role of women in television.
38. Her courage in sharing her personal journey with breast cancer has helped many individuals affected by the disease.
39. She continues to inspire aspiring actors and actresses with her perseverance and determination.
40. Bergen's enduring talent and versatility have solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s most respected and beloved actresses.

Candice Bergen: A Lasting Legacy

Candice Bergen's career is a testament to her versatility and talent. From her early days as a model to her iconic role as Murphy Brown, she has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Her work in film, television, and journalism showcases a range that few can match. Bergen's advocacy for women's rights and her openness about her personal struggles, like her battle with breast cancer, make her not just a star but a role model. Her contributions to popular culture and her philanthropic efforts have inspired many. Whether through her acting, photography, or writing, Bergen's influence continues to resonate. Her legacy is one of resilience, talent, and a commitment to making a difference. Candice Bergen remains a beloved figure whose impact will be felt for generations to come.