At the recent Emmy Awards, Candice Bergen made waves with a pointed joke directed at J.D. Vance, eliciting laughter from the crowd. While presenting an award, the revered actress, best known for her role in “Murphy Brown,” touched upon the criticisms that her character faced from then-Vice President Dan Quayle for choosing to be a single mother. Bergen humorously pointed out the change in political critique with the line, “Today, a Republican candidate for Vice President would never attack a woman for having kids. So as I would say, my work here is done,” and concluded with a playful “Meow!” This was a nod to Vance’s critique of women who do not have children, whom he labeled as “sociopaths.”
The response in the auditorium was overwhelmingly positive, with personalities like Jon Stewart and Mindy Kaling noticeably enjoying the moment. This comedic highlight at the Emmy Awards brought attention to broader discussions on women’s reproductive rights and autonomy, demonstrating Bergen’s support for mothers everywhere. Moreover, Bergen’s remarks also referenced Taylor Swift’s sarcastic self-description as a “Childless Cat Lady” in support of Kamala Harris, another jab at Vance’s controversial views.
Bergen’s delivery channeled the spirit of her famously spirited character, resonating well with the audience. The Emmy Awards have long been a stage for stars to voice poignant opinions, and Bergen’s comments became one of the evening’s standout moments, widely celebrated for its humor and topical relevance.
Beyond her critique, Bergen also commented on the lasting influence of “Murphy Brown” and how television has propelled societal change and discussion since the show’s original airing from 1988 to 1998, and its brief return in 2018. Her reflections underscored the medium’s role in shaping public discourse.
The event also featured other memorable moments, such as Jean Smart’s comedic commentary on the streaming industry confusion caused by HBO Max’s rebranding to “Max,” which drew laughs for its take on the complications within the sector.
This year’s 76th Annual Emmy Awards not only celebrated television’s finest but also provided a platform for influential voices like Bergen’s, making impactful statements that resonate with both the industry and viewers at large.
