Valerie Bertinelli, at age 65, has recently opened up about navigating emotionally challenging times, offering a raw and inspiring perspective on heartbreak, self-worth, and personal growth. Known for her roles in One Day at a Time and Hot in Cleveland, Bertinelli’s candid reflections on social media have resonated with fans, shedding light on her journey through sobriety, relationships, and body positivity. With a net worth estimated at $20 million in 2025, her story transcends fame, focusing on resilience and self-love. This article explores her recent struggles, updated personal details, and unique insights into her emotional and professional evolution.
Who Is Valerie Bertinelli? Biography, Age, and Career Highlights
Valerie Bertinelli, born on April 23, 1960, in Wilmington, Delaware, is an American actress, television personality, and cookbook author. At age 65, she remains a beloved figure in entertainment, having risen to fame as Barbara Cooper Royer on One Day at a Time (1975–1984), earning two Golden Globe Awards. Her career spans over five decades, including roles in Touched by an Angel and Hot in Cleveland, alongside hosting Food Network’s Valerie’s Home Cooking and Kids Baking Championship. Despite her height of 5’4” and fluctuating weight, Bertinelli’s focus has shifted to mental health and self-acceptance, inspiring millions.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Valerie Anne Bertinelli |
| Age | 65 (Born April 23, 1960) |
| Height | 5’4” (1.63 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 130–150 lbs (varies, no longer weighs herself) |
| Net Worth | $20 million (2025 estimate) |
| Occupation | Actress, TV Personality, Cookbook Author |
| Notable Roles | One Day at a Time, Hot in Cleveland, Touched by an Angel |
| Awards | Two Golden Globes, Daytime Emmy Awards |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Eddie Van Halen, 1981–2007; Tom Vitale, 2011–2022) |
| Children | Wolfgang Van Halen (born March 16, 1991) |
| Recent Projects | Indulge Cookbook (2024), The Drew Barrymore Show Lifestyle Expert (2024) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @therealvaleriebertinelli, X: @ValerieBertinelli |
Navigating Emotional Struggles: Bertinelli’s Recent Challenges
In 2025, Valerie Bertinelli shared vulnerable insights into her emotional hardships, particularly following her breakup with Mike Goodnough in November 2024. At age 65, she described experiencing “emotionally excruciating” feelings, including urges to numb pain with alcohol or unhealthy food. Instead, she chose sobriety, maintaining 15 months alcohol-free by April 2025, a milestone she credits with improving her mental clarity. Her Instagram posts, including a tearful video slicing watermelon to cope healthily, highlight her commitment to facing emotions head-on.
Bertinelli’s breakup with Goodnough, a writer known as Hoarse Whisperer, was complex. She reflected on communication breakdowns, suggesting empathy over criticism in relationships. “Approaching conflict with understanding rather than blame can shift everything,” she shared on Instagram. This perspective stems from her own growth, informed by therapy and self-reflection, offering a universal lesson for those navigating dating or heartbreak.
Valerie Bertinelli’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
With a net worth of $20 million, Bertinelli’s wealth comes from her multifaceted career. Her acting roles, Food Network shows, and cookbook sales (Indulge, 2024) contribute significantly. While her exact salary for recent projects like The Drew Barrymore Show or Bingo Blitz on Game Show Network remains undisclosed, her Food Network tenure reportedly earned her $50,000–$100,000 per episode. Endorsements, like her past Jenny Craig role, and book deals further bolster her finances. Despite her wealth, Bertinelli’s focus remains on emotional wealth, prioritizing mental health over material success.
Personal Life: Marriages, Dating, and Family
Bertinelli’s personal life has been a rollercoaster. She was married to rock legend Eddie Van Halen from 1981 to 2007, with whom she shares her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, now 34. Their divorce stemmed from Van Halen’s struggles with addiction, yet they remained close until his death in 2020. Her second marriage to Tom Vitale (2011–2022) ended in divorce due to irreconcilable differences. In 2024, Bertinelli found love again with Mike Goodnough, going Instagram official with a Taylor Swift-inspired post, but the relationship ended after 10 months.
Now single, Bertinelli embraces independence, humorously noting she’s content with her “six cats and dog.” Her bond with Wolfgang, a musician, remains strong, with shared tattoos and public appearances, like at the 2024 Oscars. Her openness about dating at age 65 challenges stereotypes, showing love and growth are timeless.
Body Positivity and Weight Journey
At 5’4” and an estimated weight of 130–150 lbs, Bertinelli has transformed her relationship with her body. Once a Jenny Craig spokesperson, she stopped weighing herself in 2024, rejecting societal standards that labeled her “overweight” at 150 lbs. Her December 2024 Instagram post, a mirror selfie in underwear, celebrated “every lump, bump, and saggy part.” She told The Washington Post, “Health isn’t a number on the scale—it’s how you treat your mind and heart.” Her Pilates routine and focus on sustainable habits over crash diets inspire fans to prioritize self-love.
Sobriety and Mental Health: A New Chapter
Bertinelli’s 15-month sobriety journey, starting in January 2024, has been transformative. She shared with People that abstaining from alcohol improved her mental clarity, especially during menopause. A November 2024 Instagram video documented an anxiety attack, revealing her vulnerability: “I’m not alone in this, and neither are you.” Her openness about mental health, coupled with therapy and walks with her dog Luna, offers a relatable blueprint for coping with life’s challenges.
Unique Insights: Lessons from Bertinelli’s Journey
Drawing from personal experience, I’ve seen how public figures like Bertinelli can shift cultural narratives. Her refusal to numb pain with alcohol or food mirrors strategies in cognitive behavioral therapy, where facing emotions fosters resilience. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows that sobriety can reduce anxiety by 20% within six months, aligning with Bertinelli’s experience. Her story also highlights the power of community—her Instagram followers’ support amplifies her message, creating a ripple effect of healing.
What’s Next for Valerie Bertinelli?
In 2025, Bertinelli is thriving professionally. She joined The Drew Barrymore Show as a lifestyle expert, tackling topics like menopause with authenticity. Her new role hosting Bingo Blitz and an upcoming Lifetime acting project mark her return to single-camera work after four years. Despite being axed from Kids Baking Championship, her career trajectory remains strong, reflecting her resilience at age 65.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Resilience
Valerie Bertinelli’s journey through tough times showcases her strength, from navigating heartbreak to embracing sobriety and body positivity. With a net worth of $20 million, a height of 5’4”, and a focus on mental health over weight, she redefines success. Her story is a testament to growth, urging us to “get back up and live our big, beautiful life.” Follow her on Instagram and X, or learn more on Wikipedia and People.
