Candice Bergen's Journey: Health Challenges And Personal Revelations

You know her as the sharp and witty Murphy Brown from the hit sitcom of the same name, but there's more to Candice Bergen than just her iconic roles. The legendary actress, who has won five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of the fearless investigative journalist and news anchor, has faced some pretty tough health battles over the years. Fans were understandably concerned when she appeared at the 2024 Emmy Awards and spoke slowly while presenting the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. But let me tell you, Candice is nothing if not resilient, and she’s been opening up about her journey in ways that are both inspiring and relatable.

Throughout her illustrious career, Candice has faced a number of health scares, including a stroke that she initially kept under wraps. Let’s dive into her story and how she’s navigated these challenges with grace and determination.

That Time Candice Bergen Had a Stroke

It wasn’t until six years later that the beloved Boston Legal star revealed she suffered a minor stroke in the fall of 2006. In a candid 2012 interview with New York magazine, Candice explained why she kept the incident a secret for so long. “I didn’t want it to be a liability,” she said. Despite the stroke, she only missed two weeks of shooting for Boston Legal. But the effects lingered. “My memory is just… it’s not quite the same,” she admitted. Still, she didn’t let it stop her from pursuing her passions.

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Fast forward to 2012, and Candice was back on Broadway, starring in the play The Best Man. At first, she was hesitant to take on the role, fearing the pressure of live theater where there are no retakes. “I had no confidence in my memory,” she confessed. As the performance date approached, she found herself questioning her decision. “What have I done? I’m going to go out and make an a–hole of myself!” But once she stepped onto the stage, something clicked. “I am so grateful that I did it,” she said, proving that sometimes taking risks pays off in ways you never expect.

Bike Accident Leaves Candice Bergen with a Broken Pelvis

In the same 2012 interview with New York magazine, Candice revealed another health scare: breaking her pelvis during a bike ride five months earlier. “Wow,” she recalled thinking at the time, “now I can fall, and I’ll break.” Despite the setback, Candice has always maintained a certain level of humor about her experiences, even when they’re tough. She’s no stranger to overcoming obstacles, and this was just another chapter in her story.

As she’s aged, Candice has also embraced the changes in her appearance with a refreshing level of honesty. “The reality is that I don’t look like I used to look,” she said. “I just don’t care enough, and in a way, it’s saved me.” Her attitude is a testament to the fact that true confidence comes from within, not just from how you look on the outside.

Admitting to Weight Gain in Her Memoir

In her 2015 memoir, A Fine Romance, Candice was unflinchingly honest about her changing body. “Let me just come right out and say it: I am fat,” she wrote, according to Today.com. “In the past 15 years… I have put on 30 pounds. I live to eat. None of this ‘eat to live’ stuff for me.” The book, which followed her 1984 memoir Knock Wood, gave fans an intimate look at her life and how she’s navigated the ups and downs of fame and aging. It’s a reminder that even someone as accomplished as Candice faces the same struggles as the rest of us.

Face Injections and a Fainting Spell

In 2018, Candice opened up about her beauty secrets while promoting the movie Book Club, which starred fellow legends Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, and Mary Steenburgen. She revealed her love for Mila Moursi creams and shared a less-than-pleasant experience with facial injections. “I have had those shots a few times,” she said in an interview with People alongside her costars. “The last time I had them, I fainted—I’m so pain-averse.” Even the most glamorous stars have their quirks, and Candice’s willingness to share hers makes her all the more relatable.