FYI: Catching Up with the Cast of Murphy Brown

Then: Before Murphy Brown, Candice Bergen already had an impressive career: famous father, fashion model, Oscar-nominee (Starting Over, 1979), but it was with Murphy that she made her lasting marking on pop culture.  She was smart, she was brash, she tackled the big issues—not only was she a recovering alcoholic, but she also became a single mother, much to Dan Quayle’s chagrin, and also battled breast cancer on the show—but she couldn’t keep a secretary to save her life. (She had 93 in all!)  Bergen earned an impressive five Emmy awards for the role before officially taking herself out of consideration, you know, to give some other people a shot!

Now: Candice Bergen has been seen in Miss Congeniality and Sweet Home Alabama, and also starred on Boston Legal for three seasons (and earned two more Emmy nominations).  She also has a recurring role as Cuddy’s mom on House.

Then: FYI co-anchor, Jim Dial was the consummate newsman: stern, unemotional, impartial.  But he had a soft spot for his co-anchor Murphy, whom he called Slugger.

Now: Charles Kimbrough was nominated for an Emmy for Murphy Brown, and a Tony for the musical Company in 1971, but he hasn’t acted on screen much since the end of the show.  He offered his voice talents to one of the gargoyles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and last appeared in the 2003 Lisa Kudrow film, Marci X.

Then: She was the beauty queen without a clue.  Naturally, Murphy couldn’t stand her…at first anyway.  But as time went on she grew to love her southern charm, if not the fluff pieces she was reporting on for FYI.  She dated Eldin, Murphy’s painter, but married the writer Will Forrest.  Ultimately, though she fell for Miles and ends up with him in the end.

Now: After the show wrapped, Faith Ford starred on two ill-fated series, Maggie Winters and Norm, before landing the role of Kelly Ripa’s sister on the amazing Hope & Faith.  Her last film role was as the mother in Prom.

Then: Miles Silverberg was 25 years-old when he started as producer of FYI, so naturally he was the butt of a lot of Murphy’s jokes, but little did she know, actor Grant Shaud did know a thing of two, since he actually has a degree in journalism in real life, from the University of Richmond.

Now: He left the show in 1996 and was replaced by Lily Tomlin as the new producer.  He starred in the short-lived series Oliver Beene, and has guested on Pushing Daisies, Law & Order, Boston Legal (Candice Bergen reunion alert!), and most recently, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Then: On the show he was Murphy’s best friend, Frank Fontana, who she even once considered having a child with.  She didn’t, but it was not because of the stupid toupee they made him wear every time he went on the air on FYI.

Now: Joe Regalbuto has recently clocked in a few guest appearances on shows like Criminal Minds and NCIS, but mostly he’s moved behind the scenes.  He directed 20 episodes of Murphy Brown, and has also helmed several episodes of Veronica’s Closet, George Lopez, Wizards of Waverly Place, among others.

Then: He was quick with a joke, or to light up your smoke…wait, that wasn’t him, but almost!  Phil the bartender knew everyone and everything about DC politics. He knew who Deep Throat was before we did!  We’re not totally sure why Murphy, a recovering alcoholic, spent so much time in a bar, but Phil was always good for a scoop, so we can let that one go.

Now: Sadly, Pat Corley passed away in 2006 at the age of 76.  Though he was best known for Murphy Brown, in his long career he had acted on Broadway and off, in films, and had guest starred on dozens of television shows, including a several years on Hill Street Blues.

Then: How long exactly does it take to paint a house?  When you’re Eldin Bernecky, apparently it takes an awfully long time—six years to be exact.  But he was there for Murphy when she needed him at home and always had the words of wisdom she was looking for.

Now: After he left Murphy Brown, Robert Pastorelli starred in his own series called Double Rush, about a rag-tag bunch of bike messengers (it also starred David Arquette and Adam Goldberg), but sadly it was cancelled mid-season.  He also starred in films like Michael, Eraser, and Be Cool, and even returned for the finale of Murphy Brown.  Unfortunately, he died of a drug overdose in 2004.