Valerie Bertinelli is one of those people you feel like you’ve grown up with. From her early days as a sitcom star to her years on food TV, she’s been part of pop culture for decades. But lately, she’s been showing up in a different, more personal way. Valerie has been connecting with fans, new and old, by sharing more about her life, mindset, and what she’s actually going through behind the scenes.
That shift into a more authentic and open public presence is exactly what caught the attention of Lauryn and Michael Bosstick. To learn more about the real Valerie, they brought her on The Bossticks. There, they dive deep into her illustrious career, self-improvement journey, and key lessons she’s learned along the way.
You can listen to the full episode below, but we’ll be sharing some highlights of what she’s been up to lately.
What Is Valerie Bertinelli Doing Now? Inside Her Life and Career
People are always excited to see Valerie Bertinelli on their screens. Whether it’s on a hit sitcom, fun TV movie, or engaging Food Network competition, she’s been a familiar face in our homes for as long as most of us can remember.
Over the years, though, her career has naturally expanded far beyond TV. She’s now deep into writing, podcasting, and personal storytelling through her social platforms. And even as she evolves, her fans still follow, captured by her authenticity and positive spirit.
Consider yourself one of Valerie Bertinelli’s biggest fans? We do, too. That’s why we’re so excited to talk about what she’s been up to, and how you can reconnect:
Who Is Valerie Bertinelli?
Valerie Bertinelli is an American actress, food television personality, and bestselling author. She was born on April 23, 1960, and grew up in a large family that moved frequently due to her father’s career. She developed an interest in acting at a young age, later studying at the Tami Lynn School of Arts in Los Angeles during her teenage years.
She was just 15 when she landed her breakout role as Barbara Cooper on the sitcom One Day at a Time. The role earned her multiple awards and quickly catapulted her to fame. She went on to build a long career in television, appearing in series like Hot in Cleveland and countless made-for-TV movies.
In her early 20s, she married legendary rock musician Eddie Van Halen, and the couple had a son, Wolfgang Van Halen. Their high-profile marriage eventually ended in divorce in 2007. In the years that followed, Valerie’s career continued to evolve as she expanded into food and lifestyle programming. She eventually became a familiar face on the Food Network and even hosted her own shows.
Beyond television, Valerie is open about her personal challenges with her relationships, health, and self-image. She has written multiple memoirs reflecting on her life in Hollywood, motherhood, and personal growth. Today, people recognize her not just as a former sitcom star but as a multi-dimensional media personality who has successfully reinvented herself across decades.
What Is Valerie Bertinelli Famous For?
TV Acting Roles
Valerie became a household name as Barbara Cooper on One Day at a Time in 1975. The show ran for nearly a decade and earned her two Golden Globes. As a result, she was one of the most recognizable stars of the ’70s and ’80s, and continues to act in television shows and made-for-TV movies today. Some of her most popular projects have been Hot in Cleveland, C.H.O.M.P.S., and The Seduction of Gina.
Cooking Shows
In the 2010s, Valerie added food and lifestyle television to her resume. She had her own show, Valerie’s Home Cooking, which ran for 14 seasons. Beyond her own series, she became a popular judge and host on various cooking competitions on the Food Network and beyond. More specifically, she’s a familiar face on Family Food Showdown, Beat Bobby Flay, and Kids Baking Championship.
Curious what other Food Network stars are up to? Listen to The Bossticks episode featuring Giada de Laurentiis next.
Cookbooks and Memoirs
Valerie has published multiple cookbooks and deeply personal memoirs. Her books often blend recipes with stories about her life, covering topics like motherhood, relationships, body image, and self-improvement. Some of her most popular publications include:
- Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time
- Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today
- Valerie’s Home Cooking: More than 100 Delicious Recipes to Share with Friends and Family.
Brand Partnerships
Over the years, Valerie Bertinelli has partnered with a range of well-known food and wellness brands. She’s worked with companies like Jenny Craig, where she served as a longtime spokesperson during her weight-loss journey. She’s also collaborated with GreenPan on various kitchen products. Partnerships like these reflect her real-life interests in health, food, and home, making them feel like a natural extension of her brand rather than purely promotional deals.
What Happened to Valerie Bertinelli?
Food Network Departure and Show Cancellations
Valerie’s long-running show, Valerie’s Home Cooking, ended in 2023, marking the close of a major chapter in her career. After that, she decided to step away from the Food Network for the time being. Fans were left wondering what might be next for her in both the food and television spaces.
Divorce and Personal Life Changes
Valerie divorced her second husband, Tom Vitale, in 2022. Pop culture press widely covered this high-profile split, and it marked a period of personal reflection and change for her. More specifically, this transition centered around personal growth, independence, and redefining what this next phase of life looks like for her.
Public Image Shifts and Media Coverage
In recent years, the conversation around Valeri has shifted. Rather than being defined solely by her earlier roles, she’s increasingly viewed through a more personal lens. Now, media coverage has focused more on her personal perspective and life transitions. People see her less as a sitcom star in today’s pop culture and more as a relatable, real-life voice navigating change.
Interviews on Aging, Weight, and Self-Image
While promoting her memoir Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today, she spoke openly about letting go of long-held pressures around weight and appearance. Her perspective feels notably different from earlier years—less about perfection, more about acceptance and letting go of long-standing expectations.
She discusses this heavily in the Valerie Bertinelli podcast with The Bossticks. So, definitely check out the full episode!
Like many stars of the past, Valerie has taken to social media to connect with a new generation of fans. There, she shares passionate and introspective posts about body image, aging, and self-acceptance. These candid reflections resonate with a broad audience and have helped bring new attention to her story.
If you want more thoughtful advice from another 80s star, listen to The Bossticks episode “Michelle Pfeiffer: A Hollywood Icon on Career Longevity, Health, Beauty, and Wellness Advice We Should Know.”
What Does Valerie Bertinelli Do Now?
Television Appearances and Guest Roles
Valerie continues to appear on television through guest roles, interviews, and occasional hosting spots. Most notably, she’s a regular guest and lifestyle expert on The Drew Barrymore Show, The Today Show, and The View.
Writing Projects and Book Releases
She remains active as an author, continuing to write and promote books. Her most recent release was Getting Naked: The Bare Necessities of Aging, Self-Acceptance, and Feeling Good in Your Own Skin. It reflects her current mindset around getting older, growing through adversity, and letting go of perfection.
Podcast Hosting and Interviews
Valerie has her own podcast that coincides with the release of her new book. It’s called Getting Naked: The Podcast. There, she discusses many topics included in the memoir, like navigating life transitions, overcoming shame, and personal acceptance. There are new episodes every Wednesday, so make it one of your weekly self-care habits!
You can also find Valerie on other podcasts like The Bossticks. In this episode (and others similar), Valerie is interviewed about her past and the topics she’s deeply passionate about.
Social Media Content and Fan Engagement
Valerie actively uses social media to connect with fans, sharing updates, personal reflections, and day-to-day moments. Her content often centers on authenticity, positivity, and staying grounded. You can find her on Instagram @wolfiesmom.
Brand Partnerships and Collaborations
Valerie continues to work with select brands that align with her lifestyle, particularly in the food, wellness, and home spaces. These collaborations feel consistent with her personal brand and audience.
Valerie Bertinelli is connecting with her audience more deeply than ever.
Valerie Bertinelli’s story is proof that your career doesn’t have to stay in one lane. She’s continued to evolve in a way that feels natural, leaning into what matters most to her at each stage of life. From acting to cooking to sharing her personal journey, she’s built something that goes far beyond her original role on TV.
Today, she’s still showing up, still growing, and still connecting with people in a real way. And that’s exactly why we’re all still so invested in what she does next.
Social Media Moments and Renewed Attention