Television · 1990s
Candice Bergen
Five for Murphy BrownPrimetime Emmy Awards
Two for Murphy BrownGolden Globe Awards
1988-1998, revived 2018Murphy Brown run
Best Supporting Actress, 1979Oscar nomination
Ventriloquist Edgar BergenFamous father
The Turning Point
In 1988, Bergen took the title role in CBS's Murphy Brown, playing a sharp, recovering-alcoholic TV journalist. The sitcom became a cultural touchstone and earned her widespread acclaim and a shelf of awards.
Hollywood Childhood
Daughter of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, Candice grew up amid show business in Beverly Hills. She modeled and began acting in films during the 1960s.
Murphy Brown
Her portrayal of the formidable, witty newswoman Murphy Brown became a 1990s cultural landmark. The role won her five Emmys and even drew a national political debate.
An Enduring Career
Beyond the sitcom, Bergen earned an Oscar nomination and a long run on Boston Legal. She returned to her signature role in the 2018 Murphy Brown revival.
Career Timeline
- 1946Born in Beverly Hills, California
- 1966Film debut in The Group
- 1971Stars opposite Jack Nicholson in Carnal Knowledge
- 1979Earns Oscar nomination for Starting Over
- 1988Murphy Brown premieres on CBS
- 1992Vice President Quayle critiques Murphy Brown plot
- 1998Original Murphy Brown series concludes
- 2005Joins cast of ABC's Boston Legal
- 2018Reprises Murphy Brown in CBS revival
- 2019Continues acclaimed film and TV roles
Biggest Hits
1988
Murphy BrownCBS sitcom title role that defined her career
1971
Carnal KnowledgeAcclaimed Mike Nichols drama with Jack Nicholson
1979
Starting OverOscar-nominated supporting comedic role
2005
Boston LegalPlayed senior partner Shirley Schmidt for years
1982
GandhiPlayed journalist Margaret Bourke-White
Did You Know
- A Murphy Brown single-motherhood storyline drew a public rebuke from Vice President Dan Quayle in 1992.
- Bergen is the daughter of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and grew up alongside his famous dummy, Charlie McCarthy.
Portrait: Peabody Awards · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons