Candice Bergen Recounts Being ‘Put in a Paddy Wagon and Taken to Jail’ After Protesting Vietnam War

Candice Bergen has recently shared a personal account from her past, recounting a significant moment in the anti-Vietnam War movement when she was arrested in 1972. The 80-year-old actress, known for her role as Murphy Brown, revealed the details during an appearance on “The Run-Through With Vogue,” a podcast hosted by her daughter, Chloe Malle, who is also the editor-in-chief of Vogue.

During the podcast, Bergen explained that she participated in a protest where she and a group of activists lay down in the Senate Corridor in an act of civil disobedience. The response from law enforcement was swift; she described being arrested on the grounds of “obstructing the Senate Corridor,” a charge she recalled with a hint of nostalgia.

The event was not just an act of defiance against the government’s actions in Vietnam but also a moment that placed Bergen in the annals of political protest in the United States. Following their arrest, Bergen and her fellow demonstrators were transported in a paddy wagon to jail, where they were booked. She noted that the experience turned out to be more extensive than she had anticipated, as she spent longer in a jail cell in Washington D.C. than she remembered.

Interestingly, Bergen was not alone during her brief incarceration; she shared her holding cell with Teri Garr, an actress whose career would later flourish in comedic roles in films such as “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie.” Looking back, Bergen mentioned a humorous exchange that took place with the prison matron, who inquired about Garr’s hairstyling, showcasing a lighter moment amidst the somber backdrop of their circumstances.

Media coverage at the time recorded the protest, with The New York Times reporting in June 1972 that over 100 protesters had been arrested as they blocked the Capitol. According to reports, all those detained were subsequently released after posting a $50 bail, though the protest itself highlighted the growing discontent among the American public regarding the ongoing conflict in Vietnam.

Bergen’s reflections come at a time when younger generations are increasingly engaging in various forms of activism, drawing parallels between past movements and contemporary issues. Her experiences serve as a reminder of the vital role that celebrity figures can play in raising awareness about social and political challenges.

Despite her involvement in protests decades ago, Bergen later transitioned into a successful acting career, most notably as the lead in the 1988 sitcom “Murphy Brown,” which tackled relevant societal issues of its time through a fictional newsmagazine backdrop. The show ran until 1998, with a brief revival in 2018, allowing Bergen to revisit a character who resonated with many for her strong, independent persona and willingness to confront difficult topics.

Reflecting on her arrest and the era in which it occurred, Bergen’s narrative offers a compelling glimpse into not only her personal history but also the broader cultural movements that defined the Vietnam War protests. Her ability to recount these events decades later highlights their lasting impact on American society and the conversations surrounding war, peace, and civil rights that continue to this day.

As the memories of that tumultuous period resurface, Bergen’s comments provide context and a personal touch to historical events that shaped a generation, affirming the importance of civic engagement and activism.