Candice Bergen, an iconic figure in American television and film, has made headlines again after sharing her experiences as a groundbreaking host on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). At the age of 80, she continues to inspire with her candid reflections on her trailblazing career, particularly her historic role as the first female host of the legendary late-night show.
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In a recent interview with Vogue, where she spoke alongside her daughter Chloe Malle, Bergen reminisced about her journey in the entertainment industry, as well as her remarkable achievements. Malle, who serves as the head of editorial content for the magazine, noted that Bergen frequently returns to SNL to induct new members into the prestigious “Five-Timers Club”, reserved for those who have hosted five or more episodes of the show.
Among her accolades, which include being the inaugural female host, Bergen distinguished herself by hosting SNL not just once, but twice during the early run of the programme. She first took to the stage on 8 November 1975, following names such as George Carlin and Paul Simon. Reflecting on her initial experience, Bergen described it as one filled with “the purest terror.” She quipped that producer Lorne Michaels likened her appearance to that of Patty Hearst when she emerged before the audience.
The actress fondly recalled her hosting debut while recognising that it took a while for SNL to gain traction with viewers. “It was an extraordinary time, and the show had yet to be fully embraced,” she explained. Her memories included a particularly memorable segment featuring Paul Simon, who donned a turkey costume and performed “Still Crazy After All These Years” during a Thanksgiving-themed episode, an image Bergen has cherished over the years.
Despite a challenging first outing, Bergen quickly became a familiar presence on the show. She noted that she does not remember much of her first sketches but was reminded by Malle of her participation in a “bee capades” sketch during her second appearance. Donning a flamboyant costume reminiscent of ice skating legend Sonja Henie, Bergen skated alongside cast members dressed as bees, a scene she humorously characterised as chaotic.
Bergen’s success in the realm of film preceded her SNL appearances, with notable roles in films such as “The Group” (1966), “Carnal Knowledge” (1971), and “The Wind and the Lion” (1975). Following her third hosting stint in 1976, she showcased her talents once again in the late 1980s, eventually becoming the star of the hit sitcom “Murphy Brown”. The role, which garnered her five Emmys, solidified her place in television history.
Her relationship with SNL continued well beyond her five hosting appearances. Bergen made a notable return to the stage on 19 May 1990, the same year her acclaimed series was still on air. Despite Murphy Brown concluding in 1998, Bergen’s connection to the industry remained strong, with subsequent appearances in various notable projects, including “Boston Legal”, “Sex and the City”, and “Miss Congeniality”.
Most recently, Bergen returned to SNL as a special guest to induct actress Emma Stone into the Five-Timers Club alongside Jack Black, highlighting the enduring legacy of her contributions to the programme. Reflecting on her journey throughout the decades, Bergen expressed pride in her pioneering role and the barriers she broke down for women in comedy.
Today, Candice Bergen stands not only as a celebrated performer but also as an influential figure and role model who ushered in a new era for women in entertainment. Her candid remarks and reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges she overcame and the path she paved for future generations in a landscape that continues to evolve.