For beloved television actress Valerie Bertinelli, the path from sitcom stardom to personal fulfilment has been marked by significant professional hurdles and deeply personal challenges. Since rising to fame in the iconic 1970s series One Day at a Time, the 65-year-old star has navigated a series of public and private struggles with remarkable candour. Bertinelli has never hesitated to discuss the trials she has faced, recently revealing how she was once dismissed from a job due to weight gain. From two failed marriages to a dramatic departure from the Food Network, Bertinelli's story is one of resilience in the face of life's most painful experiences.
Bertinelli's Turbulent Romantic Relationships
Valerie Bertinelli's love life has been characterised by considerable turbulence, culminating in two divorces. Her first marriage was to rock star guitarist Eddie Van Halen in 1981, when she was just 20 years old. Initially deeply in love, the relationship deteriorated due to Van Halen's substance abuse and infidelity. Reflecting on their union during a 2022 interview, Bertinelli recalled the pervasive presence of cocaine, noting she participated for a time before reaching her limit.
The couple welcomed their son Wolfgang in 1991, but ultimately separated in 2007. Following Van Halen's death from a stroke in 2020, Bertinelli's perspective shifted. She acknowledged grieving for a man she hadn't lived with for two decades, emphasising their shared love for their son as the enduring legacy of their relationship.
Bertinelli's second marriage was to financial planner Tom Vitale, lasting from 2011 until she filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences. In a tearful appearance on the Today show, she confessed to developing trust issues and declared her intention to remain happily divorced. When the divorce was finalised in November 2022, she celebrated exuberantly on social media.
More recently, Bertinelli ended a ten-month relationship with author Mike Goodnough in November 2024. The long-distance romance, which began on social media, proved challenging, with Bertinelli later expressing regret, stating she had fumbled the last good man.
Professional Setbacks: Food Network Exit and Weight Discrimination
Departure from the Food Network
Valerie Bertinelli co-hosted the Food Network's Kids' Baking Championship with Duff Goldman from its launch in 2015. However, her tenure ended abruptly in January 2024 when the network opted not to renew her contract due to budget cuts. Her manager confirmed the decision, noting the network never presented an offer for her to continue. Bertinelli was replaced by Kardea Brown after her final appearance in the show's twelfth season.
Despite the unexpected departure, Bertinelli reflects fondly on her time with the programme, describing it as a lifesaver that provided purpose and kindness during difficult periods. She likened the experience to a flotation device that helped her stay afloat emotionally.
Being Fired Over Weight Gain
Earlier this month, Bertinelli fought back tears while recounting being fired as a spokesperson for an unnamed diet company after gaining weight. The incident occurred around the time of her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2012. Having lost 50 pounds as the company's face since 2007, Bertinelli saw weight return as her mental and emotional health suffered.
She recalled being dismissed while wearing a size 12, insisting that size is not excessively large, especially compared to the unsustainable size 4 she had previously maintained. Bertinelli emphasised that her weight does not define her, asserting her strength and self-worth regardless of size. She still owns the white dress from her Walk of Fame ceremony, noting it fits just fine, and championed the importance of character over appearance.
Mental and Physical Health Challenges
Valerie Bertinelli has been transparent about her mental health struggles, revealing in 2024 her history with anxiety. In a vulnerable social media post, she shared a video of her hand trembling after a panic attack, detailing her use of meditation and EMDR therapy to cope. Bertinelli explained she focuses on calming techniques to achieve a more peaceful state.
Additionally, Bertinelli has spoken candidly about her experiences with menopause, describing perimenopause and menopause symptoms that lasted 10 to 12 years. These included brain fog and hot flashes, which affected her work on Hot in Cleveland. She characterised the subsequent years as among the most challenging and heartbreaking of her life, underscoring the profound impact of these health ordeals.
