Valerie Bertinelli vividly recalls her first days on the set of the iconic CBS sitcom "One Day at a Time," as the show prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this December. At just 15 years old, Bertinelli joined the cast, playing the role of Barbara, one of the daughters of single mother Ann Romano. Developed by the legendary Norman Lear, the series followed the lives of Romano and her two daughters, capturing the hearts of audiences across America.
“I remember being 15, standing at the apartment door, and really thinking, at 15 years old, ‘This is gonna change my life,’” – Valerie Bertinelli.
Bertinelli's memories of the show are vivid; she can still see and smell the set as if it were yesterday. The experience on "One Day at a Time" left an indelible mark on her life and career.
“Wow, I can still smell the smells. I can still see the audience. It's like there's certain moments — I mean, 15 is a long time ago from 50 years — so it's hard to remember a lot of stuff that's not that recent, but there's certain memories from One Day at a Time that I still take with me. And that's one of them.” – Valerie Bertinelli.
The show not only launched Bertinelli's career but became a cherished part of television history. The cast included Bonnie Franklin as Ann Romano, who passed away at the age of 69 in 2013, Mackenzie Phillips as Julie, still alive today, and Pat Harrington as the quirky handyman Dwayne Schneider, who died at 86 in 2016. The loss of her castmates has made reunions increasingly poignant for Bertinelli.
Despite these losses, Bertinelli remains grateful for her experiences on set and continues to thrive in her career. In August 2022, she joined "The Drew Barrymore Show" as a lifestyle expert. As part of the Drew Crew, she collaborates with host Drew Barrymore and co-star Ross Mathews, contributing to the show's dynamic energy.
“I wish I’d feel those feelings more. I mean, I feel it [on The Drew Barrymore Show]. I love the way the audience is growing here. I love the way that Drew is finding the audience that resonates with her and that they look forward to having Drew in their living room for the afternoons, because it takes so long for a talk show to find its legs.” – Valerie Bertinelli.
Bertinelli appreciates the welcoming environment of "The Drew Barrymore Show," describing it as an amazing set filled with kind and good people. Her positive experiences echo those she had on "One Day at a Time," reinforcing her belief in the importance of a supportive team.
In addition to her current role, Bertinelli has worked on various projects over the years, including "Hot in Cleveland" and "Touched by an Angel." She acknowledges that as time passes, reunions with former cast members become more bittersweet due to the absence of beloved colleagues.
Bertinelli also expressed a desire to have Norman Lear, who created "One Day at a Time," join her on "The Drew Barrymore Show." Unfortunately, Lear passed away over a year ago, leaving behind a rich legacy in television history.
“I knew that was going to be special. I don't know how I knew that then, but I could feel it,” – Valerie Bertinelli.
