Who Is Van Halen's Ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli?

Valerie Anne Bertinelli, born on April 23, 1960, is an esteemed actress and writer from the United States who has earned wide recognition, including two Golden Globe Awards. She rose to fame through her portrayals of Barbara in CBS’s ‘One Day at a Time’ and Melanie Moretti in ‘Hot in Cleveland.’

Valerie Bertinelli is one of the famous American actresses who started acting at an early age. Her early friendship with a TV producer’s daughter sparked a passion for show business, leading her to choose acting as her professional path. Aside from her career, Bertinelli became famous during her struggle with drug abuse, which she successfully won. Keep reading, as we have other interesting aspects of Valerie Bertinelli that will interest you.

Where Was Valerie Bertinelli Born?

Valerie Bertinelli was born in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, on April 23, 1960. She was brought up in a Roman Catholic household as the middle child, with two younger brothers and an older brother who passed away before she was born. Due to her father’s occupation, her family moved often, living in various places including Delaware, Michigan, Clarkston, Claymont, Shreveport, California, Oklahoma City, and Louisiana.

During her early teenage years, while residing in the Michigan area, she went to Clarkston Middle School. Valerie Bertinelli furthered her education by attending Granada Hills High School.

During Bertinelli’s middle school years in California, she befriended the daughter of a renowned TV producer, which sparked her interest in acting. This newfound passion led her to enrol in the Tami Lynn School of Artists to pursue acting training.

How Did Valerie Bertinelli Get Famous?

Valerie Bertinelli’s journey into acting commenced in 1974 with her appearance in an episode of ‘Apple’s Way.’ Her major breakthrough came the following year with the role of Barbara Jean Cooper in the Norman Lear-produced CBS television series ‘One Day at a Time,’ when she was just 15 years old.

In 1981, Bertinelli took a significant step in her career by establishing her own film company, which led to the production of TV movies ‘Shattered Vows’ in 1984 and ‘Silent Witness’ in 1985, in which she also played roles. She expanded her repertoire by starring in the 1987 miniseries ‘I’ll Take Manhattan,’ based on a novel by Judith Krantz. Additionally, Bertinelli appeared in the short-lived sitcoms ‘Sydney’ and ‘Cafe Americain.’

Her film career includes roles in ‘C.H.O.M.P.S.’ (1979), ‘Ordinary Heroes’ (1986), and ‘Number One with a Bullet’ (1987). Later, in 2001, Bertinelli joined the cast of ‘Touched by an Angel’ for its final two seasons.

Valerie Bertinelli Was Co-Host of a TV Show

In 2010, Valerie Bertinelli added to her diverse career by co-hosting ABC TV’s ‘The View.’ That same year marked the beginning of her role in the highly successful TV series ‘Hot in Cleveland,’ where she starred alongside television legends Betty White, Wendie Malick, and Jane Leeves. This beloved sitcom enjoyed a six-season run before concluding in June 2015.

Further exploring her interests and heritage, Bertinelli appeared in the genealogy documentary series ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ in 2014, delving into her family history. Currently, she combines her passion for acting and culinary arts by hosting ‘Kids Baking Championship’ on the Food Network, showcasing her talents beyond acting and into the realm of food and cooking.

Valerie Bertinelli’s Movies and TV Shows

Below is a highlight of some of her notable movies and TV shows:

TV Shows:

• One Day at a Time (1975-1984)
• Touched by an Angel (2001-2003, as a late addition to the cast)
• Hot in Cleveland (2010-2015)
• Sydney (1990)
• Café Americain (1993-1994)
• I’ll Take Manhattan (1987, Miniseries)
• Kids Baking Championship (as host)
• Valerie’s Home Cooking (as host)

Movies:

• Shattered Vows (1984)
• Silent Witness (1985)
• Night Sins (1997)
• Pancho Barnes (1988)
• Murder of Innocence (1993)

Feature Films:

• C.H.O.M.P.S. (1979)
• Ordinary Heroes (1986)
• Number One with a Bullet (1987)

Bertinelli Authored a Book in 2008

Valerie Bertinelli has also made a name for herself in the literary world. In 2008, she published her autobiography, ‘Losing It: and Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time,’ which offers an intimate look into her journey of weight loss and personal growth. Following the success of her first book, she released a sequel in 2009 titled ‘Finding It: And Satisfying My Hunger for Life without Opening the Fridge,’ further delving into her experiences and life lessons.

In 2012, Bertinelli shared her love for cooking and her Italian roots with the release of ‘One Dish at a Time,’ a cookbook filled with recipes that are close to her heart. Through these publications, Bertinelli has opened up about her life’s challenges and triumphs, while also sharing her passion for food and cooking with her readers.

Valerie Bertinelli Was Once Married To the Late Van Halen

Valerie Bertinelli and the legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen exchanged vows on April 11, 1981. The couple welcomed their son, Wolfgang, into the world in 1991, choosing the name in honor of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the favorite composer of Eddie Van Halen.

Unfortunately, Bertinelli’s marriage to Van Halen concluded in 2007. In her autobiography, Bertinelli sheds light on the factors that led to their separation, citing her husband’s struggles with drug addiction and his smoking habit as the primary reasons for their divorce. These revelations provide insight into the personal challenges they faced during their marriage.

Bertinelli Got Married To Tom Vitale in 2011

In 2004, even though she was still legally married to Eddie Van Halen, Valerie Bertinelli began a relationship with Tom Vitale, a financial planner. Her introduction to Tom Vitale came about through her brother, Patrick Bertinelli, during a visit to her parents in Scottsdale, Arizona. Following her divorce from Van Halen, Bertinelli and Vitale’s relationship continued to grow, leading to their marriage in 2011. This new chapter in Bertinelli’s life marked a significant personal milestone for her, showcasing her ability to find love and happiness again.

All through the period they were dating and finally got married, Bertinelli and Vitale didn’t welcome children. However, their marriage lasted for over 10 years until it was dissolved in 2022 through a legal process.

How Did Valerie Bertinelli Lose Weight?

Throughout her career, Bertinelli faced public scrutiny over her weight gain. However, by March 2009, she had lost about 50 pounds through Jenny Craig’s weight loss program, subsequently becoming a spokesperson for the brand and featuring in many of its commercials.

What Is Valerie Bertinelli’s Net Worth?

Valerie Bertinelli’s net worth has been estimated at $20 million. Her income sources are not limited to her acting career. Bertinelli has income-generating investments that have greatly affected her net worth growth over the years. One of such investment is an internet startup Veebow, which she founded with her ex-husband Vitale. The famous movie star also invested heavily in real estate, as she acquired in Hollywood Hills a 5200-square-foot estate for $2.25 million.

FAQs

Who is Valerie Bertinelli’s Son?

Valerie Bertinelli’s son is Wolfgang Van Halen. He was born on March 16, 1991, to Valerie Bertinelli and her then-husband, Eddie Van Halen.

Why Does Valerie Bertinelli Refer to Herself as GM Brat?

Valerie Bertinelli refers to herself as a “GM brat” because her father worked as an executive at General Motors (GM). This term is often used to describe children who grew up in families where one or both parents worked for an automotive company. Due to her father’s job, her family moved frequently, living in various places associated with GM’s operations.