Candice Bergen Proudly Embraces Her Body – Her Journey from Bombshell to Lovely Granny

Candice Bergen, a luminary since the 1960s, has carved an extraordinary career in Hollywood. From her early days as a fashion model to her acclaimed performances in film and television, Bergen has navigated the industry’s highs and lows, career shifts, and personal transformations with grace.

Bergen is a model of self-acceptance, remaining true to herself in an industry that often prizes perpetual youth and perfection. This article delves into key moments of her life and career, examining how she has grown and changed over the years.

1946 to the Late ’60s: Bergen’s Ascent from Starlet to Style Icon

Candice Patricia Bergen was born in 1946, to model Frances Bergen and ventriloquist, comedian, and actor dad, Edgar Bergen. Her first brush with fame came when she was 11, appearing as a guest alongside her father on Groucho Marx’s quiz show “You Bet Your Life.”

That was just the beginning, and in the mid-’60s, she cemented her place as a fashion model, featuring on the cover of Vogue. She rocked long blonde hair and her elegance and poise were hard to miss.

As a model in her early 20s, her slim figure showed elegance and a youthful glamor. She would often accentuate her striking features with makeup, and highlight her piercing blue eyes with mascara and bold eyeliner.

With a childhood dream of becoming a clothing designer, her keen fashion sense was unmistakably evident. From classy, plain-colored dresses to vibrant, patterned blouses paired with light-colored pants, she effortlessly blended casual style with sophistication.

1971: Evolving Roles and a New Look

1971 marked a significant shift in Bergen’s career and appearance. She had already made her mark with roles in “The Sand Pebbles” and “The Magus.”

However, this year brought even greater success with her highly praised performance in “Carnal Knowledge.” Alongside her career growth, her style evolved too, as she began sporting longer hair. Still, her figure remained slim and her features sharp.

1988: Bergen’s Defining Era

In 1988, Bergen discovered her true calling in the politically-charged sitcom, “Murphy Brown,” taking on the role that would define her career. As Murphy, the sharp-witted, independent, and liberal journalist, Bergen captivated audiences and critics alike.

Her performance earned her eight Emmy nominations and five wins, solidifying her legacy before the show ended in 1998. As her career evolved, Bergen embraced curly hair that beautifully highlighted her features, blending a youthful demeanor with a hint of maturity.

1992: “A Year to Remember”

For her standout role in the “Murphy Brown” episode “A Year to Remember,” Bergen underwent a dramatic transformation. Renowned for her dusky brown locks, she debuted a striking blonde mane, styled in a straight, sleek fashion that elegantly framed her features.

For this part, she donned a long, black coat draped over a red turtleneck sweater, crafting a bold, eye-catching contrast. Her look was completed with round, wire-rimmed glasses, lending an air of intellectual sophistication that complemented her character’s persona perfectly.

2000: Bergen Adopts a Fuller Figure

The 2000s saw Bergen’s look evolve once more as she ushered in a fuller, more robust figure. In one sighting, she rocked a stylish bob haircut, featuring layered, shoulder-length hair with side-swept bangs that framed her face elegantly.

At 44, Bergen’s face showed the natural signs of aging, with a few lines that added character and grace. This look combined maturity with a timeless sense of style, showing her ability to adapt and remain elegant through the decades.

2006-2007: Bergen’s Major Health Setback and Resilient Comeback

Bergen’s career was on an upward trajectory and she was taking on roles in numerous films. Since the beginning of the 2000s, she had been in “Sex and the City,” “Footsteps,” Law & Order,” and “Will & Grace.”

In 2005, she took on the role of Shirley Schmidt in “Boston Legal.” And while her career was more promising than ever, she suffered a major setback, healthwise. She disclosed that in the fall of 2006, she had a minor stroke. She initially denied it because she did not “want it to be a liability.” Luckily, she only missed two weeks of filming.

Her challenges notwithstanding, she continued to show her elegance and sense of style. During the U.S. Open, her hair was styled in a soft, shoulder-length cut with light waves. Her face showed signs of aging, with subtle wrinkles gracing her face. She wore a light-colored sweater and accessorized with a statement necklace featuring large, linked gold circles.

A year after she suffered a stroke, Bergen was still her elegant self. Spotted at the 2007 U.S. Open, she rocked a short blonde bob cut. Her looks had transformed into a more serious and mature demeanor, and she seemed to have added a bit of weight.

2012-2018: Bergen Embraces Her Weight with Confidence

In 2012, Bergen disclosed yet another challenge she had been experiencing in her personal life.— loss of memory. During a sitdown with New York Magazine, she shared, “My memory is just— it’s not quite the same.” Despite this, she continued to look graceful.

A photo of her at the 2012 U.S Open captured her displaying a more mature and fuller figure. Her face and neck showed the natural signs of aging, with visible wrinkles. Her hair was styled in a voluminous, shoulder-length cut, maintaining her signature blonde color with hints of silver.

In 2015, Bergen proved she was more than just an actress with the release of her memoir, “A Fine Romance.” In the book, she candidly addressed her weight gain over the past 15 years, embracing it with confidence and humor.

She boldly declared, “Let me just come right out and say it: I am fat. In the past 15 years … I have put on 30 pounds. I live to eat. None of this ‘eat to live’ stuff for me.”

Rather than a pity party, her memoir celebrated self-acceptance and the joy of living life to the fullest. In addition to her weight gain, her hair also looked different, as she rocked a short, messy, voluminous blonde bob.

In 2018, the actress cut her hair, instead opting for a shorter but neater blonde bob. She posted an image after she got her cut, holding her dog in her lap.

2020-2021: The ‘Icon’ Becomes a Grandmother

In 2020, Candice Bergen celebrated another milestone in her personal life when she became a first-time grandma. She welcomed her first grandson through her daughter Chloe. To celebrate this huge milestone, she posted a photo holding her grandbaby with the caption, “Life A.A. After Artie. My first grandson.”

On New Year’s Eve 2021, Bergen treated her fans to an Instagram image of herself holding a toy dinosaur. A sharp contrast to three years earlier when she cut her hair, Bergen wore long blonde locks that flowed down her shoulders.

She also had on large round sunglasses, with no makeup or filters. In addition to people wishing her a happy New Year, some praised her for her natural look. “Thank you for looking like a normal, everyday human being,” said a fan, while another simply declared, “Still an icon.“

2024: Life at 78

This year, Bergen turned 78. Still, she radiates a poise and grace that seems to defy the passage of time. Her flawless skin and still-striking figure make her the embodiment of aging with elegance.

In May 2024, Bergen graced the special screening of “Federer: Twelve Final Days” with her presence, her attire a classic example of sophistication. Clad in a sharp black blazer paired with a striped blue and white top, she cut a distinguished figure.

Her blonde hair flowed in elegant waves, complementing her wise and warm expression. Her confidence, a testament to the challenges she’s overcome, and her smooth skin showcased a timeless elegance that continues to draw admiration as she embraces life fully.