Valerie Bertinelli Reflects on Early Career Struggles and TV Mom's Lifesaving Support

During an appearance on Barrymore Show, Bertinelli shared how Bonnie Franklin guided her to therapy, spotlighting broader calls for mental health provisions for young entertainers.

• Valerie Bertinelli recounted how her 'One Day at a Time' co-star and TV mom, Bonnie Franklin, recognized her struggles at age 20 and encouraged her to seek therapy.
• Franklin’s off-screen mentorship left a lasting impact on Bertinelli, who described the guidance as pivotal during a challenging period in her early acting career.
• The conversation tied into Ariana Grande’s advocacy for mandatory mental health support in entertainment contracts for young talent, a proposal Bertinelli strongly endorsed.
• Bertinelli reflected on joining the CBS sitcom at age 15, describing the experience as life-changing and sharing vivid memories of her early days on set.
• The discussion underscores the evolving focus on mental health and mentorship in the entertainment industry, especially for young actors navigating fame.

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