Cast of ‘Murphy Brown’: Then and Now

Bergen starred as the recovering alcoholic and outspoken journalist shattering gender stereotypes as the anchor for the fictitious newssmagazine show, FYI.  Murphy Brown turned Bergen into a certified star, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series five times. 

After Murphy Brown ended its original run in 1998, Bergen appeared on tons of hit shows including Seinfeld, Boston Legal, Family Guy, Sex and the City, as well as films like Ms. Congeniality, Sweet Home Alabama, and View From the Top. Her latest movie, Book Club, co-starring Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton and Mary Steenburgen, debuted in May.  

Ford was transitioning from soap opera roles when Murphy Brown came along in the late 1980s. The Louisiana native portrayed Corky Sherwood, a spunky former pageant queen. 

The 53-year-old actress has built an impressive career in film and television since Murphy Brown, landing roles on popular ‘90s dramas like Murder, She Wrote and  Beverly Hills, 90210. Ford also appeared on the sitcom Norm for two seasons, before starring on Hope & Fatih from 2003-2006 with Kelly Ripa.

A native of New York City, Regalbuto was a regular on the TV circuit in the ‘80s, having appeared on The Golden Girls, Cagney & Lacey, Night Court, Magnum P.I. and The Love Boat. On Murphy Brown, Regalbuto played Frank Fontana, a laid-back but neurotic investigative journalist who openly battled his demons in psychotherapy.  

The Emmy-nominated actor has continued his work on one hit show after another, with credits that include Touched by an Angel, Ally McBeal, JAG, Criminal Minds, NCIS and Curb Your Enthusiasm. 

Kimbrough portrayed veteran news anchor Jim Dial, an uptight character in the vein of journalist Walter Cronkite. The role landed Kimbrough an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1990.  

Kimbrough has done lots of voice acting for animated films and television shows such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Recess and Pinky and the Brain. He also appeared on Ally McBeal and in The Wedding Planner, in addition to theater work. 

Shaud began his career as a theater actor in New York City in the late ‘70s, and landed his first television role on the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie in 1986. Two years later, Murphy Brown made its television debut with Shaud playing Murphy's boss, Miles Silverberg. Shaud was replaced by Lily Tomlin after he left the show in 1996. 

After Murphy Brown, Shaud appeared on such programs as Touched by an Angel, The Drew Carey Show and Younger. He also landed animated voiceover gigs on The Wild Thornberries and Antz.

The legendary comedian joined Murphy Brown in 1996, following the departure of Grant Shaud in season eight. Tomlin played Kay Carter-Shepley, a veteran TV game show producer. Tomlin stayed with the show until its final season in 1998.

Tomlin has added dozens of classic roles to her name since Murphy Brown went of the air, including memorable parts on such shows as The West Wing and Desperate Housewives. She currently stars on the Netflix series Grace and Frankie opposite Jane Fonda.

Bakula signed on for Murphy Brown after Quantum Leap ended in 1993. The Golden Globe winner had a 13-episode run as Bergen’s hunky love interest, Peter Hunt. 

It’s safe to say that Bakula made the quantum leap from one hit series to the next. The 63-year-old actor has appeared on other hits show like Star Trek: Enterprise, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Desperate Housewives and NCIS: New Orleans.