Candice Bergen, renowned actress and former model, recently shared her reflections on her early career in modelling during a special Mother’s Day episode of The Run-Through with Vogue podcast. Co-hosted by her daughter, Chloe Malle, who is set to take over as Vogue’s head of editorial content, the episode provided fascinating insights into Bergen’s experiences in an industry that, while intriguing at first, rapidly lost its appeal.
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In the podcast, which marked a lovely celebration of mothers and daughters, Bergen recounted her first foray into the world of modelling at the tender age of 15. “I remember modelling when I was 15 or 16,” she recalled. “I started to earn my own money and putting on what seemed like grown-up clothes, women’s suits and stockings and thinking, ‘Oh, what a lot of trouble.'” Her honesty struck a chord, as she admitted that despite the initial excitement, her enthusiasm for the job quickly diminished after a few assignments.
Bergen’s modelling career launched her into the spotlight after she graced the cover of Vogue for the first time in 1967. The high-profile cover marked the beginning of her journey in the fashion world, but it was her subsequent transition to acting that solidified her place in entertainment history. She made her acting debut in the film The Group, released in 1966, and went on to establish a successful career in television and film.
In the same podcast episode, Bergen also discussed her daughter Chloe Malle’s recent advancement within the fashion industry. In September 2025, Malle was appointed as Anna Wintour’s successor at Vogue, a significant achievement in a competitive field. Bergen remarked on the importance of this role, affirming that “this is no small thing.” She highlighted Chloe’s dedication, explaining that her daughter has spent 14 years at Vogue, showing that her promotion was not merely a matter of family connections but a result of hard work and perseverance.
Malle’s journey began when she joined Vogue in 2011 as a social editor. After five years in this position, she transitioned to a contributing editor role and eventually became editor for Vogue.com in 2023. This steady ascent through the ranks showcases her commitment to the publication and her skill as a journalist, reinforcing Bergen’s praise of her daughter’s capabilities.
Bergen expressed immense pride not only in her daughter’s professional achievements but also in her role as a mother. She remarked that Malle, who is 40 and has two children with her husband, Graham Albert, is doing an exceptional job balancing her career and family life. “I think she’s wonderful with her kids,” Bergen noted, adding that Malle has chosen a “great husband who is a fantastic father.”
The significance of Malle’s new role at Vogue goes beyond professional elevation. It also resonates with family legacy; Bergen previously portrayed Enid Frick, the fictional editor-in-chief of Vogue, in a guest role on the popular television series Sex and the City. This connection adds a personal touch to Malle’s new position, blending past moments with future potential in an iconic fashion magazine.
As Bergen shares her perspective, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the changing dynamics of the fashion industry and the intergenerational connections within it. The candid exchanges between mother and daughter not only celebrate their relationship but also reveal the broader narrative of women navigating and reshaping career paths in an evolving world.
Overall, Candice Bergen’s reflections on her early experiences in modelling coupled with her appreciation for her daughter’s recent achievements present an inspiring case of resilience and ambition in the competitive landscape of fashion and entertainment.