Valerie Bertinelli Reflects on Early Hollywood Struggles
Valerie Bertinelli candidly shared her experiences as a young actress during her time on the beloved sitcom One Day at a Time. Breaking into the entertainment sector as a child performer, she achieved early stardom by joining the CBS series at just 15 years old. Despite this success, Bertinelli revealed that navigating life in the limelight posed significant challenges.
Turning to a TV Mom for Guidance
During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Bertinelli discussed how she sought support from her on-screen mother, the late Bonnie Franklin. Reflecting on her struggles, she stated, “I finally went to Bonnie by the time I turned 20,” and confessed, “I’m struggling.”
Franklin, who portrayed Ann Romano—a single mother to Bertinelli’s character, Barbara, and her sister Julie, played by Mackenzie Phillips—recognized Bertinelli’s difficulties and encouraged her to seek professional assistance. “She sent me to a psychiatrist; she sent me to a therapist—my mom on TV,” Bertinelli recounted, highlighting Franklin’s crucial role in her mental health journey.
Awareness of Mental Health in the Industry
This discussion about the pressures faced by young actors was timely, as host Drew Barrymore noted that pop star Ariana Grande has been advocating for the inclusion of therapy in contracts for young talent. Grande, who experienced her own rise to fame through Nickelodeon’s Victorious before achieving global stardom with her hit “The Way” in 2013, recognized the need for mental health support in the industry.
In a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Grande shared her aspirations for future contracts, stating, “I hope to see therapy multiple times a week and a support system” formally incorporated. She emphasized the importance of protective measures, expressing her dream of a future where entering the entertainment field mandates such support.
Bertinelli Supports Grande’s Advocacy
Bertinelli fully endorsed Grande’s viewpoint, asserting, “Ariana is absolutely spot-on. I think people need that support, absolutely.” Both women highlight a growing recognition of the need for mental health resources in the entertainment industry, especially for young stars who often face intense scrutiny and pressure.