Mackenzie Phillips Reflects on Past and Continued Friendship with Valerie Bertinelli

Mackenzie Phillips recounts her time on “One Day at a Time” with both humor and insight. The 66-year-old actress, known for her role as Julie Cooper alongside Valerie Bertinelli, shared some surprising memories from their days on the popular sitcom with Fox News Digital.

“During lunch breaks, Valerie and I would go to my house, swim, drink wine, and use cocaine,” Phillips described. Both were teenagers when filming began; Phillips was 15 and Bertinelli 14.

Phillips clarified that Bertinelli has been open about that period. “Valerie didn’t have the addiction issues I had,” Phillips explained. She noted that drugs were a backstage reality on the set, saying, “We did coke in the dressing room. I was the one who got caught, which was a blessing.”

The two actresses became icons as teenage sisters on the CBS sitcom, running from 1975 to 1984. Despite the show’s end, their friendship endured. In a 2022 podcast, Phillips talked about the lasting bond: “We were like family.” The relationship faced challenges, primarily due to Phillips’ addiction.

Phillips spoke candidly about navigating sobriety, often reaching out to Bertinelli. She detailed leaving messages during her sober days: “I would call and say, ‘I’m six months sober, thinking of you.’”

Their friendship remains strong. In tribute, Phillips celebrated Bertinelli’s 65th birthday in April 2025, expressing love and gratitude.

Phillips also shared how her past shaped her resilience. “I find strength in my faith and perspective,” she mentioned, reflecting on how past hardships contributed to her personal growth. “I don’t want pity,” she noted. “Everything made me the woman I am today.”

She acknowledged that though she could not undo her history, she feels “blessed” for her journey. The daughter of John Phillips, she has been open about her struggles and published her memoir “High on Arrival.” She further explored recovery in “Hopeful Healing.”

Resilience has become a key theme in Phillips’ life. She works in the recovery field, counseling others. “I have a strong passion and purpose now. Purpose keeps me on this path,” Phillips told UCHealth Today in 2019.

Phillips also continues to act, including a role in Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black.” Meanwhile, she uses her story to support others in recovery.

Reflecting on past misconceptions, Phillips discussed her relationship with her father. “In my book, I was under a misconception, believing it was consensual,” she said. “Time and recovery changed my understanding.” She considered writing another book titled “Everything I Left Out” to address these reflections.