Valerie Bertinelli (born April 23, 1960, in Wilmington, Delaware) has carved out a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry, transitioning from a beloved sitcom star to a celebrated television personality and best-selling cookbook author.
Bertinelli’s journey began in her early teens when her family moved to Michigan. Serendipitously, she became friends with the daughter of a TV producer, which led to her enrolling in acting classes. This pivotal connection quickly launched her career in the iconic CBS sitcom “One Day at a Time,” which premiered in December 1975. As Barbara Cooper, one of two teenage daughters of a newly divorced woman, Bertinelli captured the hearts of audiences for nine seasons until the show concluded in 1984.
During and after her “One Day at a Time” run, Bertinelli also appeared in several films, including “C.H.O.M.P.S.” (1979), “Ordinary Heroes” (1986), and “Number One with a Bullet” (1987), as well as the miniseries “I’ll Take Manhattan” (1987). She continued to be a familiar face on television, starring in sitcoms like “Sydney” (1990) and “Cafe Americain” (1993), though both had short runs. She also became a staple of made-for-TV movies.
In 1981, Bertinelli’s personal life also garnered significant attention when she married rock guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. Their marriage lasted for over two decades, and they had one son together, Wolfgang Van Halen, who is now a successful musician in his own right. The couple divorced in 2007, but maintained a close relationship until Van Halen’s passing in 2020.
In the 2010s, Bertinelli experienced a resurgence in her television career with the hit TV Land sitcom “Hot in Cleveland,” where she played Melanie Moretti alongside veteran actresses Betty White, Wendie Malick, and Jane Leeves. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for six seasons and earning Bertinelli further acclaim, including a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Beyond acting, Valerie Bertinelli has found a significant second career in the culinary world. Her passion for cooking led to the publication of several successful cookbooks, including “Valerie’s Home Cooking,” “Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time,” and “Finding It: What I Learned on My Path to Losing Weight, How I Did It, and What I Now Know.” Her cookbooks often blend personal anecdotes with approachable and delicious recipes, resonating with a broad audience.
This success in the culinary sphere led to her own popular Food Network show, “Valerie’s Home Cooking,” which premiered in 2015 and ran for several seasons. The show featured Bertinelli sharing her favorite family recipes and cooking tips in a warm and inviting style, further solidifying her image as a relatable and down-to-earth personality. She has also appeared on other Food Network programs and specials.
In her personal life, Bertinelli was married to financial planner Tom Vitale from 2011 to 2022. Their divorce was finalized in November 2022.
Most recently, in 2025, Bertinelli appeared as Chef Polly in the TV series “Robogobo” and in 2023, she was featured in the music video for her son Wolfgang Van Halen’s song “I’m Alright.”
Valerie Bertinelli’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal. From her early success as a teen idol to her current status as a beloved actress, television host, and cookbook author, she has consistently connected with audiences through her talent, warmth, and authenticity.