On May 9, 1946, Candice Bergen was born in Beverly Hills, CA. Bergen first entered the spotlight as a fashion model gracing the pages of Vogue. After starring in films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Bergen landed the title role in “Murphy Brown” in 1988. She won five Emmys for playing Murphy Brown, making her the third performer in Emmy history to win five Emmys for playing the same character. As we await the revival of “Murphy Brown” this fall, we wish Bergen a happy 72nd birthday.
Bergen was born Candice Patricia Bergen to Edgar Bergen, a famous ventriloquist, and Frances Bergen, a former actress and model. At six years old, Bergen made her radio debut on her father’s show. She briefly attended the University of Pennsylvania but transitioned
from Ivy Leaguer to model and actress. At first, her all-American appearance got her typecast in a series of “ice princess” film roles, including in “The Group” (1966), “Carnal Knowledge” (1971) and “The Wind and the Lion” (1975). Throughout this time period, Bergen also pursued a photography career, in which she traveled the world shooting for Esquire and Life.
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In 1975, Bergen first tried her hand at comedy as the first-ever female guest host on “Saturday Night Live.” After getting many laughs on SNL, she starred opposite Burt Reynolds in the dramatic comedy “Starting Over” (1979), as a tone-deaf pop singer. The performance earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination. By the late 1970s, Bergen had successfully converted her classy, aloof persona into one that was more edgy and outspoken.
In 1988, Bergen scored what became her signature role, the title character on “Murphy Brown.” The glass-ceiling-shattering investigative reporter and news anchor was 40, single and fresh out of the Betty Ford Clinic. She became a feminist hero, as well as a career icon to working women. After her fifth Emmy win, Bergen turned down any future nominations for the role. In 1992,“Murphy Brown” was thrust into the center of politics when VP candidate Dan Quayle criticized the show for contributing to the erosion of American “family values.”
Since her “Murphy Brown” days, Bergen has appeared in several hit films, including “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Miss Congeniality.” She also received two Emmy nominations for playing a tough lawyer on “Boston Legal.” As we approach the 30th anniversary of the premiere of “Murphy
Brown,” on TV, its reboot is scheduled to air this fall.