Valerie Bertinelli Admits She ‘Doesn’t Remember The ’80s’ And Feels ‘Guilty’ For Experimental Past

“I mean, that was the ‘80s though. I don’t remember that. I don’t remember anything about the ‘80s,” was Valerie Bertinelli’s response to a picture of her taken in the ‘80s. On the Drew Barrymore Show on Monday, Feb. 3, the actress, 64, revealed that she was only physically present in that period but mentally unavailable.

At the show, the American actress opened up about her past, mistakes, and regrets and how she feels about it now. She admitted that looking back at photos from that time made her think, “That is a puffy face, and someone who needs to start taking care of herself.” 

Valerie Bertinelli’s life in the ’80s

Bertinelli was married to rock star Eddie Van Halen from 1981 to 2007, a period she described as both exciting and chaotic. She admitted to experimenting with substances, feeling the pressure of the lifestyle that surrounded her. “For the longest time, I always felt guilty about the things I experimented with and what I tried when I was a young girl,” she shared.

Barrymore, who also faced challenges in her youth, reassured Bertinelli that they both coped the best way they knew how. “We hurt ourselves far more than others,” Barrymore said. Bertinelli agreed, adding, “Listen, I forgive us [for] all of that. We coped the way we knew how to cope with a really challenging, strange life.” She also emphasized the need for self-compassion, saying, “And also, we have to start giving ourselves grace for just trying to learn through stuff.” 

The mother of one has been maintaining her sobriety since 2024

In early 2024, Bertinelli took a step toward change by committing to Dry January. What started as a one-month challenge turned into a long-term lifestyle change. She revealed that she noticed the immediate benefits of her sobriety, and she now experiences reduced stress, better sleep, and even weight loss.

More than the physical changes, sobriety brought Bertinelli a sense of clarity and peace. She no longer carries the guilt of her past. “We coped the way we knew how,” she said, “but now, we get to choose a different way.”