Valerie Bertinelli reflects on her groundbreaking role in One Day at a Time, sharing how the sitcom’s debut 50 years ago shaped her life and career.
Key Moments from Bertinelli’s Reflection
Valerie Bertinelli vividly recalls her first episode of One Day at a Time.
The actress appeared on the Drew Barrymore Show to discuss the milestone.
She remembered thinking, “I’m going to be able to show this to my children one day.”
Fifty years after the debut of One Day at a Time, Valerie Bertinelli remains deeply connected to the iconic sitcom that launched her career. On January 7, 2026, the Emmy Award-winning actress appeared on the Drew Barrymore Show, where she shared heartfelt memories of her first episode, which premiered on December 16, 1975.
“It’s been fifty years. It premiered December 16th, 1975. Whenever I think of One Day at a Time, I can smell it. I can smell the stage because it was my first big job,” Bertinelli said. The actress, who was just 15 years old at the time, recalled standing at the apartment door, holding a basketball, and rehearsing her first line: “Mom, mom I made the team, mom, mom I made the team.”
She also shared a poignant thought from that moment: “I remember thinking I’m going to be able to show this to my children one day.” This reflection highlights the significance of the show in her life, even though her son, Wolfgang “Wolfie” Van Halen, has never seen the series.
The Legacy of One Day at a Time
The CBS sitcom, which aired from December 16, 1975, to May 28, 1984, starred Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips, and Bertinelli as a family of three. Franklin played single mother Ann Romano, navigating life with her two teenage daughters, Julie (Phillips) and Barbara (Bertinelli). The show was a groundbreaking portrayal of a single-parent household and resonated with audiences nationwide.
Bertinelli’s role as Barbara Cooper marked her first major acting job and set the stage for her future success in television. The show’s impact on her career is immeasurable, and her reflections underscore the emotional weight of that pivotal moment in her life.
The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The 50th anniversary of One Day at a Time has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans. The show’s portrayal of a single mother raising two daughters was revolutionary for its time and continues to resonate with audiences today. Bertinelli’s reflections have reignited interest in the series, with many fans revisiting the classic episodes.
During her appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show, Bertinelli was surprised with a retro One Day at a Time lunchbox featuring the characters’ images. The moment was a touching reminder of the show’s enduring legacy and its place in television history.
Looking Ahead
As Bertinelli continues to reflect on her journey, her story serves as a reminder of the power of television to shape lives and careers. Her experiences on One Day at a Time not only launched her career but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
For fans of Valerie Bertinelli and classic television, her reflections offer a unique glimpse into the past and a celebration of the enduring impact of One Day at a Time.
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