Valerie Bertinelli opens up about ’80s hazy memories, Eddie Van Halen, and her transformative year of sobriety.
What made Valerie Bertinelli’s ’80s memories foggy?
Valerie Bertinelli jokingly admitted her ’80s recollections are hazy, reflecting on photos with ex-husband Eddie Van Halen.
She critiqued her younger self’s “puffy face” and lack of self-care, calling the era emotionally chaotic.
“I don’t remember anything about the ’80s,” she told Drew Barrymore, referencing past experiments with coping mechanisms.
Why did Bertinelli feel guilty about her past?
The actress confessed lingering regrets over youthful choices, from substance experimentation to her role as Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” advocate.
Barrymore lightened the mood, comparing Bertinelli’s candor to an ’80s afterschool special. Bertinelli later forgave herself: “We coped how we could in a strange, challenging life.”
How did sobriety change her health?
After completing Dry January in 2024, Bertinelli celebrated one year alcohol-free. Cutting alcohol eased sugar cravings and reduced cortisol, moving her away from “fight-or-flight” mode.
By February, she’d dropped a jeans size, crediting sobriety for physical and emotional renewal.
What haunted her marriage to Eddie Van Halen?
In 2022, Bertinelli revealed cocaine use during her marriage to the rock legend. “It was everywhere,” she told Rob Lowe, explaining she quit when the lifestyle became unsustainable.
Her honesty contrasted with her current “prude” persona, illustrating growth from past struggles.
Why embrace grace over guilt now?
Both Bertinelli and Barrymore agreed self-forgiveness was key. “We hurt ourselves far more than others,” Barrymore said.
Bertinelli emphasized giving oneself “grace” while navigating life’s chaos—a lesson she applied to sobriety, body image, and reconciling her wilder past.
Quick Facts:
- Admitted ’80s memory gaps linked to chaotic lifestyle.
- Married Eddie Van Halen at 20; later disclosed cocaine use.
- Advocated “Just Say No” before personal struggles.
- Celebrated 1-year sobriety after 2024 Dry January success.
- Lost weight post-alcohol cutback, emphasizing cortisol reduction.