Valerie Bertinelli recently opened up about her hazy memories of the 1980s during an appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show." The actress, best known for her role in "One Day at a Time," reflected on her past while looking at old photographs, including one from her marriage to the late rock star Eddie Van Halen. In her candid remarks, Bertinelli remarked on her appearance in the photo, describing herself as having a "puffy face" and acknowledging the need to take better care of herself at that time.
During the segment, Bertinelli expressed her lack of recollection regarding much of the 1980s, stating, "I mean, that was the ‘80s though. I don’t remember that. I don’t remember anything about the ‘80s." She also admitted to having regrets about some of her behavior during that decade, particularly regarding her experimentation with substances. This admission came as she reflected on her past, which included a tumultuous marriage to Van Halen from 1981 to 2007.
Bertinelli, who has been open about her struggles with addiction, shared that she recently celebrated a year of sobriety after participating in Dry January in 2024. She explained her decision to cut out alcohol, citing health reasons, including a desire to manage her sugar cravings and reduce stress hormones in her body. The 64-year-old actress emphasized the importance of self-forgiveness and grace, acknowledging that everyone copes with life’s challenges in different ways.
Barrymore, who hosted the show, playfully teased Bertinelli about her reflective tone, likening it to an "ABC Afterschool Special." Bertinelli humorously recalled her past role as the "Just Say No" girl alongside Nancy Reagan, reflecting on how her approach to substance use changed over time. Despite her past, she expressed a sense of peace with her decisions, stating, "We coped the way we knew how to cope with a really challenging, strange life."
As Bertinelli continues to share her journey towards sobriety and self-acceptance, she serves as an inspiration to her followers, encouraging them to embrace new beginnings and forgive themselves for their past mistakes. Recently, she celebrated her progress, noting significant weight loss and improvements in her overall well-being since quitting alcohol. Her openness about her struggles and triumphs resonates with many, highlighting the importance of self-care and personal growth.