Valerie Bertinelli being interviewed on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ CBS VF recent comments about TV’s all-star comeback template going to miss her television mom, Bonnie Franklin, who passed away in 2013. In light of this, the ensuing conversations were centered around mental health. Franklin had a profound influence over Bertinelli’s life during their years together on the 1970s sitcom “One Day at a Time.”
Bonnie Franklin, who played Barbara Cooper, was instrumental in Bertinelli’s character growth while in her formative teenage years. Today, she is still thankful for Franklin’s wisdom. The actress had identified her issues while they shot the series together. By the time Bertinelli had reached 20, she revealed her struggles to Franklin.
I didn’t get to Bonnie until I was 20. I said to her, ‘I’m having a hard time, I’m painting whether you’re telling me to or not.’” Bertinelli divulged throughout the conversation.
Franklin’s response was supportive and proactive. She quickly got Bertinelli into a psychiatrist, showing her investment in the mental health of her co-star. She was able—I’m grateful to her for doing this, but she could see that I was struggling, and she sent me to a psychiatrist. She got me a therapist,” Bertinelli told me.
This honest talk is a reminder of how crucial a personal support network can be, particularly in the entertainment business. Drew Barrymore really highlighted this idea when she said, “Your mom on TV mom’d you and put you in therapy! This conversation is a powerful reminder that conversations about mental health are just important, and help can be found in the most unlikely of places.
In honor of Franklin’s legacy, Bertinelli posted this classic photo from 1979 on her Instagram. In the image, she poses in a plaid button-down shirt, underwear, and high-heeled sandals, reflecting on her youth and the memories created during her time on “One Day at a Time.” She shared the video on April 9. The following day, she posted this inspiring reflection on Franklin’s lasting impact.
Bonnie Franklin passed away in 2013 at the age of 69, but her impact is still acutely felt in Bertinelli’s life. The actress has not shied away from speaking on the importance of being open about mental health. “I think people want that support, absolutely,” she commented, highlighting the value of having conversations like these in the community.
Drew Barrymore appreciated the gravity of their discussion, expressing that people with lived experiences can provide priceless information. These are the folks with the lived experience, commented Barrymore. She argued that we should not mistake Bertinelli’s candidness for clickbait or sensationalism. Rather, we need to view this as an incredibly effective case for taking care of those who endure the same plight.