Candice Bergen: A Legendary Career And Wealthy Life

How Much is Candice Bergen Worth Today?

Let’s talk about Candice Bergen, the incredible American actress, producer, and former fashion model who’s built a career that’s nothing short of legendary. Candice has amassed an impressive net worth of $50 million over her decades-long career in Hollywood. And let me tell you, she earned every penny of it. Her success is rooted in her incredible performances on both the big and small screens. Of course, you probably know her best for her iconic role as Murphy Brown, the sharp-tongued journalist who captivated audiences for ten seasons. That show alone aired 247 episodes from 1988 to 1998, and it even made a comeback with 13 episodes in 2018. Candice walked away with five Emmy Awards for her work on the series, and here’s a fun fact—she even asked to stop being nominated so other actresses could get their shot at the spotlight.

But here’s the thing: Candice isn’t just riding solo on her financial success. Her husband, Marshall Rose, is a powerhouse in his own right. He’s an incredibly wealthy real estate developer, and together, they own properties all over the country. These two have been a team since 2000, and it’s clear they know how to build wealth together.

Before she became a household name as Murphy Brown, Candice was already making waves in Hollywood. Back in the '60s and '70s, she was starring in films that showcased her incredible range, whether it was drama or comedy. Some of her biggest roles were in movies like “The Sand Pebbles” (1966), “Carnal Knowledge” (1971), and “Starting Over” (1979). That last one earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, proving she wasn’t just a pretty face but a seriously talented performer.

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And if you think her success stopped with film, think again. Candice’s television career is just as impressive. After “Murphy Brown,” she took on another iconic role as Shirley Schmidt in “Boston Legal,” where she wowed critics and earned several Emmy nominations. She’s also made guest appearances on some of the most popular shows out there, like “Seinfeld,” “Sex and the City,” and “Will & Grace.”

But acting isn’t the only thing Candice has going for her. She’s also an author and photographer, having published her memoir “Knock Wood” in 1984, which became a bestseller. Then, in 2015, she released “A Fine Romance,” giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life and career. And in recent years, she’s continued to stay relevant, appearing in shows like “House” and reprising her role as Murphy Brown in the 2018 revival of the series. Oh, and let’s not forget her role in the movie “Book Club” (2018). Clearly, Candice isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Her Journey: Early Years

Candice Bergen wasn’t born into just any family—she was born Candice Patricia Bergen on May 9, 1946, in Beverly Hills, California. Her mom, Frances, was a model, and her dad, Edgar Bergen, was a famous actor, comedian, and ventriloquist. So yeah, showbiz was in her blood from the start. Growing up in Beverly Hills, she attended Harvard-Westlake School, but her acting career actually began when she was just 11 years old. That’s right, she started making appearances on her dad’s radio and TV programs, and she even appeared with him on Groucho Marx’s quiz show “You Bet Your Life.”

She later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she was crowned Miss University and Homecoming Queen. But life has its twists and turns, and Candice started to neglect her studies. She failed a couple of courses in art and opera and was eventually asked to leave after her second year. But don’t feel too bad for her—she went on to receive an honorary doctorate from the school in May 1992, at the height of her fame.

Building Her Empire: Career Highlights

From Model to Leading Lady

After leaving college, Candice started working as a professional model, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like “Vogue.” At the same time, she was taking acting lessons at the HB Studio in New York City, honing her craft and preparing for the big screen. Her big break came in 1966 when she played a university student in the movie “The Group,” directed by Sidney Lumet, a family friend. This film was a major success, both critically and financially, and it set the stage for her acting career.

That same year, she starred alongside Steve McQueen in “The Sand Pebbles,” a movie that was nominated for several Academy Awards. It was a game-changer for her career. Over the next few years, she appeared in a string of films, including “The Day the Fish Came Out” in 1967 and “Getting Straight” and “Soldier Blue” in 1970. One of her most critically acclaimed roles came in 1971’s “Carnal Knowledge,” where she received overwhelming praise for her performance. She also starred in “The Wind and the Lion” (1975), “Gandhi” (1982), and “Starting Over” (1979), for which she earned an Academy Award nomination.

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Making History on "Saturday Night Live"

In 1977, Candice made history by becoming the first woman to host “Saturday Night Live.” She didn’t stop there—she became the first woman to join the Five-Timers Club by hosting the show for a fifth time in 1990. But her most iconic role came in 1988 when she took on the role of Murphy Brown, the tough-as-nails television reporter who tackled real-world issues. Murphy was a recovering alcoholic, a single mother, and even battled breast cancer during the show. For her incredible portrayal, Candice won five Emmy Awards for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. After her fifth win, she graciously declined further nominations for the role. On the side, she produced and starred in the movie “Mary & Tim” in 1996.

Even after “Murphy Brown,” Candice continued to make waves. CBS approached her to work as a real-life journalist for “60 Minutes,” but she turned them down, not wanting to blur the lines between acting and journalism. She went on to play memorable roles in movies like “Miss Congeniality” (2000) and “Sweet Home Alabama” (2002). In 2003, she appeared in “View from the Top” and even hosted “Exhale with Candice Bergen” on the Oxygen network. Fans will also remember her as the high-powered lawyer Shirley Schmidt in “Boston Legal,” a role that earned her a Golden Globe, two Emmy nominations, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

After her time on “Boston Legal,” Candice continued to guest-star on various TV shows and appeared in the movie “Bride Wars” in 2009. She also contributed to wowOwow.com, a website for women to discuss culture, politics, and gossip. In 2010, she starred in “The Romantics” and played an occasional role on “House.” Later that year, she starred in a one-night-only concert, a staged reading of “Evening Primrose” by Stephen Sondheim. In 2012, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” and she returned to Broadway in 2014’s “Love Letters.” In 2018, it was announced that she would reprise her role as Murphy Brown in a CBS reboot, but the show was canceled after just one season in May 2019.

Big Paydays: The "Murphy Brown" Salary

At the height of the series, Candice was one of the highest-paid actors on television. Her salary per episode of “Murphy Brown” was a staggering $250,000. That’s some serious cash for a job well done.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight: Personal Life

Candice’s personal life has been just as fascinating as her career. She’s dated some pretty prominent men, including having a date with Henry Kissinger. In 1980, she married French film director Louis Malle, and they had a daughter in 1985. They remained married until Malle’s passing from cancer on Thanksgiving Day in 1995. In 2000, she married real estate magnate and philanthropist Marshall Rose.

A Brush with Infamy: The Charles Manson Connection

Now, here’s a story that’s as wild as it gets. In the late '60s, Candice dated music producer Terry Melcher, the son of singer/actress Doris Day. Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader, thought Terry could help launch his music career. Manson even visited the house Candice and Terry shared at 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles to pitch his music. This house later became infamous when Manson’s followers murdered Sharon Tate and several of her house guests there on August 9, 1969. There’s been speculation that Manson thought Terry and Candice still lived there, but it was later revealed that Manson knew they had moved out. Still, anyone who could afford such a nice house was a suitable target for his twisted plans.

Where She Calls Home: Real Estate Empire

In 1996, Candice bought a 3-acre compound in Beverly Hills for $3.1 million. She sold this home in 2010 for a cool $10.25 million. But that’s not all—she and Marshall Rose own homes in East Hampton, New York, Montecito, California, and an apartment in New York City that’s likely worth over $20 million. Marshall has owned the NYC apartment since the '70s, and guess who lived in the same building? None other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

In December 2020, they listed their East Hampton home for $18 million. Marshall originally acquired this property in the '80s when he was married to his previous wife, Jill, who passed away in 1996. Candice and Marshall tied the knot in 2000 and started renovating the East Hampton property in 2004. In February 2021, they paid $2.15 million for a condo at 825 Fifth Avenue in New York City, which they listed for sale in May 2023 for $2.175 million.