Valerie Bertinelli is candidly discussing the emotional impact of losing a prominent spokesperson role due to weight gain.

In a heartfelt conversation with Drew Barrymore on a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the 65-year-old Hot in Cleveland actress revealed the deep embarrassment she experienced. Her appearance on the January 14 show has garnered attention as it coincides with the upcoming release of her book, Getting Naked, scheduled for March 2026.

During a segment called “Memory Bank,” which encourages celebrities to reflect on significant life events, the One Day at a Time star revisited the day she received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2012.

“You look stunning,” Barrymore remarked, commenting on a photo of Bertinelli in a stylish white lace dress with a knee-length hemline. The actress completed her ensemble with a voluminous hairstyle, peep-toe heels, and delicate jewelry, including a chic bracelet.

Despite her glamorous appearance, Bertinelli, who now advocates for self-acceptance, admitted she felt quite the opposite at the time.

“I started a diet program and then became their spokesperson in 2007 and I had lost 50 pounds,” she shared.“Life started to get the better of me.”

She added, “I wasn’t taking care of my mental and emotional health, so the weight started to come back on. And this was the last year, I believe, that I was with this diet company. And they fired me, eventually said, ‘We can’t keep going with you because you’re gaining weight again.’”

Bertinelli was disappointed to lose the job, considering her weight had fluctuated before and she still had a smaller figure then when she started her fitness journey.

Valerie Bertinelli is no longer stepping on a scale after years of body image issues. Bertinelli, 63, took to Instagram on Thursday, February 8, to share throwback photos of herself in a bikini from 10 years ago. “2014 #tbt This is a 150lb body on a 5’4 frame,” she wrote alongside the post. “I don’t […]

“I remember thinking, ‘But size 12’s not that big!’” she shared about her appearance at the time. “But I had gotten down to a size 4 — which was way too small for me and impossible for me to maintain.”

Bertinelli said that it’s been an ongoing struggle for her as weight goes “up and down, but pretty much, basically, this weight my whole life that I am right now, and I’m a size 10 now.”

Since then, she’s learned to feel more comfortable in her own skin and is grateful for making those strides.

“My mental and emotional health — even though I’m getting teary-eyed — is so strong right now,” the Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time author said. “I’m so strong and firm in who I am and, no matter what people throw at me, I know who I am and I know what kind of person I am and it doesn’t matter how much I weigh.”

Valerie Bertinelli is taking a huge — but scary — career step. Bertinelli, 65, revealed via Instagram on June 9 that she’s returning to acting in an upcoming Lifetime project. While the Food Network star didn’t share details about the project, she did admit that she’s “so grateful, if not a bit anxious.” “It’s an […]

As for that lace dress, it’s still in her closet. “And it fits me just fine,” Bertinelli said with pride. “It’s a little less snug than it is there, but I just. If anything, it doesn’t matter what size we are. What is our heart?”

Barrymore agreed wholeheartedly, noting that it’s important to focus on “what is healthy for you” versus what society deems as skinny and overweight.

“You’re right!” Bertinelli replied. “What is healthy for you? What is healthy mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically?”

Looking ahead, her new book will feature “intimate and vulnerable essays,” in which she explores several topics including “aging, love, friendship, secrets, and acceptance.”

Getting Naked will be released on March 10, and is currently available for pre-order.