The beloved television actress stumbled across a revealing piece of her past while sifting through years of keepsakes, and she has turned to her followers for help in deciding its fate. At the age of 66, Valerie Bertinelli shared with her audience two negatives from a 1979 photo shoot taken when she was just 19 years old. Having completely forgotten about the images, their unexpectedly bold nature sparked a wave of reactions among fans who eagerly chimed in with their opinions. Some viewers noted that she didn’t seem particularly happy about the 1979 photoshoot, raising questions about her feelings toward the images.
A House Clear-Out Delivered Quite the Find
During an extensive organization project at home, Valerie stumbled upon these long-hidden negatives. Rather than simply stuffing them back into storage, she decided to unveil them to her followers, sharing a glimpse into a previously private moment from her youth. The two frames depict a young Valerie clad in black lingerie, seated on a chair. Although the negatives are relatively small, they capture slightly varying poses from a session that seemingly never made it to publication. In her Instagram post, Valerie expressed, “I’ve been doing a massive amount of decluttering around the house, going through old memorabilia… and stumbled upon a bunch of these negatives.” Despite the initial surprise, many fans were delighted to see her from an era that marked the beginning of her television career.
She revealed, “I had totally forgotten that I had them, which is why we probably haven’t seen them in print anywhere. Now I don’t know what to do with them.” In a moment of reflection, she floated the idea of her brother possibly finding a creative use for the images in their new show. The timing of this discovery was uncanny, coinciding with the launch of a project dedicated to revisiting unseen photographs and the precious memories they hold.
Her Brother Has an Entire Vault Waiting
Valerie’s brother, David Bertinelli, a photographer, has recently initiated a project titled “Undeveloped: Stories from the Vault.” This program offers viewers access to snapshots of Valerie’s personal history through images taken by David. The siblings utilize these hidden or forgotten pictures to rediscover experiences that may now hold different meanings after the passage of time. In her announcement for the show’s premiere, Valerie noted that David had selected three images she hadn’t seen in years, one of which was entirely new to her. “Turns out some memories you think you’ve let go of, you haven’t,” she shared. “Come watch what surfaces as David opens up his vault and shares some of his photos with us.” The first episode titled “First Comes Love” is currently available on her website, Valerie’s Place, which requires a subscription, adding an exclusive touch to the intimate digital space she has created for her followers.
The discovery of the 1979 negatives could seamlessly align with the show’s overarching theme. However, whether David will incorporate these particular negatives into future episodes remains to be seen. The siblings’ project has already captivated viewers, inviting them to reflect on their own personal histories while enjoying the nostalgia of Valerie’s past.
Fans Were Split Between “Save” and “Toss”
Valerie’s followers wasted no time in sharing their opinions regarding her dilemma of whether to preserve or discard the negatives. The responses were varied; while some fans expressed shock and excitement at the glimpse into her past, others saw the negatives as artifacts of television history that deserved to be kept safe. One enthusiastic admirer succinctly stated, “MA’AM 👀,” showcasing their surprise and appreciation for the throwback. Another follower noted the actress’s expression in the photos, commenting, “You look uncomfortable to me,” highlighting the mixed emotions the images elicited.
Others chimed in to encourage Valerie to hold onto the negatives, with one fan sharing, “Save. I love the old photos. Valerie, you are about my age. I still have some negatives 😂 You certainly were stunning! You still look good 😍.” Yet, not all responses favored preservation; one commenter suggested, “Toss, you are a better woman now. ❤️,” while another draw parallels to pop culture of the 1980s, stating: “‘Flash dance’ vibes! ‘She’s A Maniac’😊 [sic].” Regardless of their stance, fans seemed united in their admiration for Valerie, with one even claiming, “Save! You are a part of my television history, most def a save [sic].”
This discussion reflects the affection many hold for Valerie, who entered the television realm at a young age, capturing hearts when she landed her breakout role on “One Day at a Time” at just 15 years old. The CBS sitcom aired from 1975 to 1984, providing a platform for her transition from adolescence to adulthood in front of a captivated audience. Her impressive career continued through various television movies and series, including “Touched by an Angel” and “Hot in Cleveland.” Additionally, she became a well-known personality on the Food Network, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards for her hosting skills.
Television Audiences Met Her at 15
Valerie’s extensive career has seen her evolve from a teenager stepping into the spotlight to a seasoned television veteran. In 2024, she joined “The Drew Barrymore Show” as a lifestyle expert, expanding her connection with audiences. Two years later, she created Valerie’s Place, a platform that fosters a more personal relationship with her followers beyond traditional television appearances and social media interactions. Through this space, she shares her insights, experiences, and personal growth.
Her life, both on and off-screen, has unfolded under the public eye. Valerie was married to musician Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until their divorce in 2007, and they share one son, Wolfgang Van Halen. The premiere of “Undeveloped” was not her only recent venture into her television history. In July 2026, she began revisiting her time on “Hot in Cleveland” through a new podcast called “Still Hot in Cleveland.” Co-hosted with Todd Milliner, a former executive producer of the sitcom, the podcast delves into each season across multiple episodes. The comedic series originally aired from 2010 to 2015, following three friends whose flight to Paris unexpectedly landed in Cleveland, where they decided to remain and share a home.
Another Old Favorite Returned in a New Form
The podcast features discussions with cast members, writers, and behind-the-scenes contributors, providing insights into how the comedy developed through its six seasons. Valerie expressed her gratitude for the show’s impact, stating, “I’m still more than grateful for the experience, and I’m still [expletive] for cancelling us a year too early in my mind.” The creative discussions have captivated Valerie’s audience, as she draws parallels between her experiences and those of her community. When asked about the possibility of a reunion or revival for “Hot in Cleveland,” Valerie remained open, though she acknowledged the significance of Betty White’s absence, saying, “I mean, I know Wendie’s not crazy about that idea because she’s right — without Betty, how is it Hot in Cleveland? But I don’t know. I feel like there’s a way…”
Although the prospect of a revival remains uncertain, the actress continues to find inspiration in her past. The recently rediscovered 1979 negatives draw attention to a deeply personal topic: the evolving perception of her body throughout her life. Nearly five decades after those provocative photos were taken, Valerie candidly discussed her feelings about her body during a conversation with Drew Barrymore. They touched on various subjects, including aging, divorce, menopause, generational pain, and the societal pressures women face to maintain an ideal image.
A Conversation That Took a Very Personal Turn
The discussion, which took place on March 24, 2026, centered around Valerie’s book, “Getting Naked,” where she revealed her journey of coming to terms with her body. Their conversation was refreshingly unfiltered, creating an environment where Valerie felt comfortable sharing her thoughts and experiences that many celebrities often shy away from. As they complimented each other’s appearances, Drew remarked, “We’re not two women chasing that dragon of youth,” to which Valerie responded with a laugh, “No. I think I didn’t know you long before I was literally showing you my boobs.” This level of transparency allowed Valerie to elaborate on the deeper themes in her book.
What She Chose to Say Out Loud
Valerie explained, “I mean, because I have. I mean, if you read the book, you’ll know that my boobs are deformed and I talk very extensively and graphically about how deformed they are.” This honesty stemmed from her experiences with four surgeries in 2024. She recounted Drew’s reaction upon witnessing her struggles, saying, “Drew is like, ‘How bad can it be?’ I’m like, ‘Really?’ And she goes, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s bad.'” According to Valerie, this level of honesty is one reason she appreciates Drew; it fosters a genuine connection. The exchange was both humorous and poignant, revealing the therapeutic power of candid conversations.
Valerie further shared her feelings regarding her body, joking, “I don’t know. I’m sorry. I totally took away from your question. My boobs suck, but I’m not dating, so it doesn’t matter…. um yet.” While humorous, this comment highlighted her current focus on self-acceptance rather than seeking approval from potential partners. This perspective also allowed her to reflect on her journey. In a subsequent interview with People magazine, Valerie revealed that she had breast implants in the late 1980s, initially enjoying them but later growing dissatisfied. After years of weight fluctuations, she felt it was time to return to her natural self, leading to the removal of the implants in 2024. Unfortunately, complications arose, resulting in another surgery that left her with unexpected challenges.
The Surgeries Behind the Confession
Valerie described the aftermath of her surgery, recalling, “The look on my doctor’s face when he finally saw me made me think ‘Oh [expletive]’ I guess I should have come in earlier.” During this follow-up operation, the physician had to remove everything, leading to what Valerie referred to as a “crater,” necessitating yet another procedure to even her chest. Despite recounting the more difficult aspects of her journey, Valerie maintained a sense of humor, playfully stating, “Me and these guys are the only ones looking at my boobs anyways.” She added, “I don’t care because I can’t see without my glasses on … I’ll have to date somebody who can’t see.”
Her Book Is All About Reclaiming the Narrative
A few days prior to her candid discussion with Drew, Valerie shared behind-the-scenes images from the cover shoot for “Getting Naked” on her Instagram. The photos showcased her in various states of undress, but the overall tone was not simply provocative; it conveyed a sense of purpose, calmness, and upliftment. In her accompanying caption, she elaborated on the intent behind her book, writing, “Writing getting naked was a process. The process of uncovering my shame. The process of owning it, so no one could ever use it as a weapon to hurt me ever again.”
Valerie continued to express her belief in the importance of confronting fear, stating, “I think we can never fully protect ourselves from feeling exposed, but the process of writing this book and posing for the cover was a beautiful fear I was able to walk through and get to the other side of.” Her powerful message encourages readers to embrace their vulnerabilities. She concluded her post with an empowering note, encouraging others to find joy in disarming any weapon that could be used against them. “You alone have the power to free yourself,” she reminded her followers.
The journey of self-acceptance and empowerment that Valerie has shared resonates deeply, not only with the rediscovered lingerie negatives from her youth but also with her ongoing narrative of embracing her body and her past. At 66, she has the autonomy to define what those images represent and whether they deserve to be preserved, a choice that ultimately celebrates her reclaiming of her own narrative.
