As Candice Bergen approaches her 80th birthday in May, the acclaimed actress finds herself grappling with the idea of reaching this significant milestone. In a recent interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups, Bergen candidly revealed her state of mind, admitting that she is “in total denial” about turning 80. “Being 80 is just unfathomable to me,” she remarked, expressing her reluctance to even discuss the upcoming event.
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The star of the beloved television series ‘Murphy Brown’ conveyed a sense of disbelief regarding the passage of time. “Oh God. Oy. I’m in denial,” Bergen stated, adding that the number itself holds little meaning for her. “It doesn’t feel anything. You feel the same. Except maybe you walk a little bit slower and more carefully, because you don’t want to fall,” she reflected. For Bergen, even the simple act of stepping off a curb has taken on new significance as she navigates her advancing age.
Despite the challenges of ageing, Bergen maintains an active lifestyle. She works out with a personal trainer five days a week, a commitment she has upheld since her late husband, Marshall Rose, was alive. Rose passed away in February 2025 after battling Parkinson’s disease. Bergen expressed her gratitude for her trainer, who has been a longtime ally. “I’ve known him for years, and he worked with my husband when he was ill. He’s just very savvy and knows his stuff,” she said. The workouts are designed not for intense cardio but rather to maintain mobility and joint health, an approach Bergen seems to appreciate.
In her conversation, Bergen also shared how much she treasures her family life, particularly her time spent with her daughter, Chloe Malle, and her two grandchildren, Louis, aged five, and Alice, aged three. “They are the lights of my life,” Bergen said fondly, noting that the simple joy of watching movies with them on the couch has become one of her most cherished activities. Remarkably, her grandchildren call her “Toto,” an endearing nickname that has since spread to the rest of her family.
Bergen reflected on the notion of getting older, suggesting that there is beauty to be found in the process. “The grace of getting older is something to be grateful for in itself,” she mentioned, acknowledging that while ageing can present challenges, it is also a time for reflection and appreciation. She added, “It’s not always the purest gift, but it’s important to be grateful for it.”
The actress further contemplated the meaning of turning 80, contrasting her experience with that of her father, the famous ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, who passed away at the age of 75. Bergen recalled thinking at the time that 75 marked a full life. Now, at 79, she perceives life differently, expressing a deep desire to continue living vibrantly. “I count on being there for my grandson’s graduation from high school. Hopefully, my granddaughter. Well, that would make me almost historic,” she mused.
Bergen’s reflections resonate with many as they navigate their own journeys through life and aging. Her candid expressions of denial, gratitude, and love for her family paint a picture of a woman who, while confronting the complexities of age, embraces the richness of her experiences and relationships. With her 80th birthday approaching, Bergen continues to radiate the warmth and joy that have defined her career and personal life.