Valerie Bertinelli has been candid about embracing her body as it changes with age. While appearing on “The Drew Barrymore Show” on Thursday, the “One Day at a Time” star shared the story behind her now-viral underwear selfie that she posted on Instagram.
She explained that she’s been working on accepting her body, noting a moment when she saw her reflection and felt unexpectedly content. “I looked at myself in the light and thought, ‘Oh, I’m not mad at that,’” the 64-year-old actress revealed. “All the planks and sit-ups I’ve done over the years are visible beneath the saggy skin.”
Valerie Bertinelli proudly embraces her body with a heartfelt message of self-love
During the interview, Bertinelli lifted her red turtleneck to display her stomach, prompting an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience. “This is 64 years of gravity—it’s just science,” she joked. “If you zoom in on that photo, you’ll see the little saggies, and I’m proud of them. It’s my belly, and I’m 64. Why should that be a problem?”
She also spoke about the mixed reactions the post received, including hurtful comments from online critics who labeled her as “too fat,” “too thin,” or “ugly.” Bertinelli admitted this criticism taught her an important lesson. “My dad was wrong. You can’t make everyone like you, and I’m finally okay with that at this age,” she said, earning more cheers from the crowd.
Barrymore and co-host Ross Mathews embraced her and thanked her for addressing such a meaningful subject. Bertinelli reflected on societal pressures and how she regrets contributing to harmful ideals. “I don’t like that I once played a role in manipulating people into thinking they had to look a certain way,” she admitted. “I’m a size 10. How is that too thin? Or too fat? It’s just me—it’s my body.”
The “Hot in Cleveland” actress gained attention earlier in December after posting a mirror selfie wearing only a black bra and underwear. In her caption, she alluded to the challenges her body has faced over the past year but expressed gratitude and acceptance.
“Right now, every lump, bump, wrinkle, and saggy part of me feels appreciated,” she wrote. “I’m simply thankful to stand in front of a mirror in a Manhattan hotel bathroom, ready to color my roots late on a Monday night.”
