As Valerie Bertinelli flipped the page on another year, the beloved actress, cookbook author, and Food Network star sent a heartfelt message to her fans. Through her Instagram, she shared, “Life’s about embracing every moment—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Feel it all deeply, then let go of anything that doesn’t serve you. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. You’re worth the absolute best this life has to offer.”
Valerie’s Year of Ups and Downs
For Valerie, turning 63 brought a whirlwind of emotions. There were incredible highs, like witnessing her son, Wolf Van Halen, tie the knot. But there were also gut-wrenching lows, such as the cancellation of her Emmy-winning series, Valerie’s Home Cooking, after 14 incredible seasons. “Gratitude is about finding the silver linings even on the toughest days,” Valerie reflected. “It’s about choosing to focus on the positive, no matter what life throws your way.”
Lessons from Betty White: The Woman Who Glowed
One of the most profound lessons Valerie learned came directly from the late Betty White, her co-star on Hot in Cleveland. Betty, who passed away at the age of 99 in 2021, was a beacon of positivity and gratitude. “Betty radiated kindness and appreciation for life in a way I’ve never seen before,” Valerie reminisced. “She wasn’t just another person; she was a force of nature. Her ability to find joy in every moment was truly inspiring.”
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The Start of Something Special
Back in 2010, Valerie was thrilled when she heard that Betty, a star of shows like The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, had agreed to guest-star on the Hot in Cleveland pilot as Elka, the landlady. “When I heard they were talking to Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick, and that Betty had already signed on, I didn’t even care which role they wanted me to play,” Valerie laughed. “I just knew I wanted to be part of something with those incredible women.”
On set, Betty was everything Valerie hoped for—and more. “She was so humble, funny, and down-to-earth. It was hard not to be in awe of her,” Valerie admitted. “And yet, she carried herself with such grace, like it was no big deal to be Betty White. She wanted to be treated like everyone else, and that was something I admired deeply.”
Betty’s Decision to Stay
Betty originally intended to make only a guest appearance, but the chemistry between her and the cast, combined with the sharp wit of the show’s writing, convinced her to become a regular. “Betty loved all of us, but she grew especially close to Valerie and Wendie,” an insider shared with Closer. “She loved sharing stories from her past, and Valerie soaked them up like a sponge. They had a special bond.”
A Group of Showbiz Legends
There were no rookies on the set of Hot in Cleveland. Valerie’s career stretched back to her teenage years on One Day at a Time, Jane Leeves had spent over a decade on Frasier, and Wendie Malick starred for seven seasons on Just Shoot Me! Yet, everyone listened closely when Betty spoke. “Betty reminded us that show business is a job, and if you stop enjoying it, it’s time to walk away,” the insider revealed. “She encouraged us to trust our instincts and only take on projects that truly excited us.”
Betty often reminded her co-stars that the entertainment industry can be unpredictable. “One day you’re on top of the world, and the next day people write you off as yesterday’s news,” Valerie echoed. “Betty taught me not to take it personally. Life is too short to let other people’s opinions define your worth.”
Nightlife with Betty
Outside of work, the women enjoyed bonding over dinners at Betty’s favorite restaurants. “We’d grab a cocktail and just hang out as friends,” Valerie fondly recalled. “Betty was hilarious and so easy to be around. She had this way of making everyone feel special.”
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Betty’s favorite topics often revolved around her late husband, Allen Ludden, and her passion for animal welfare. “She missed Allen every single day, but she carried herself with such dignity,” the insider explained. “Her love for animals was contagious, and Valerie became an even stronger advocate for animal rights because of her.”
Overcoming Challenges with Grace
As Valerie navigated personal struggles in recent years, including her divorce from Tom Vitale, she found solace in Betty’s example. “Life has thrown me some curveballs, but I’m learning to handle them with grace,” Valerie confessed. “I used to let others’ negativity affect me, but I’ve come to realize it wasn’t about me. It was their projection. I don’t let it define me anymore.”
Through therapy, taking a break from alcohol, spending more time with family, and focusing on creative projects like her upcoming cookbook, Valerie is building a brighter future. Her pets—cats Batman, Tigger, Henry, Bubba, Beau, Nelson, and rescue dog Luna—remind her daily of Betty’s love for animals. “Betty had this light about her because she approached life with gratitude,” Valerie mused. “Being around her was a masterclass in living joyfully, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
