Valerie Bertinelli Says She ‘Let Down Every Single Guard’ for ‘Raw’ Performance in “Love, Again” (Exclusive)

**Valerie Bertinelli Takes on Emotionally Charged Role in Lifetime’s *Love, Again***

Valerie Bertinelli has made a heartfelt return to acting with her latest role in the emotional Lifetime film *Love, Again*. Speaking candidly with PEOPLE during a screening event on April 30, the actress discussed her journey back to the screen and the challenges she faced portraying a character steeped in grief.

At the centre of the film is Bertinelli’s character, Caroline, a woman struggling with her husband’s early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The script, penned by Nancy Silvers, captivated Bertinelli from the outset. “It was ridiculously beautiful, human, humorous, and heartbreaking. It was something I had been searching for without realising it,” she shared.

The role required Bertinelli to confront her vulnerabilities like never before. “I could really be that vulnerable and really let down every single guard that I have as an actor and as a human being,” she explained about embracing the character’s emotional turmoil. After a nearly five-year hiatus from acting, she admitted that stepping back into a role was both daunting and exhilarating. “I just really wanted to do the role justice,” she said.

In preparing for this significant role, Bertinelli focused on authenticity rather than acting techniques. “I worked hard at taking down my walls and all the barriers developed over the many decades of my life experiences,” she noted. This approach was particularly relevant, as the story resonated personally with her, despite the contrasting circumstances between her life and Caroline’s journey.

Bertinelli revealed that her recent experiences and ongoing personal growth influenced her performance. “I was writing my book during this process, which helped me open up and be a little bit more brave,” she reflected, suggesting that her own journey paralleled the emotional undertones of the character she portrayed.

In *Love, Again*, Bertinelli is supported by fellow actor Eric McCormack, who plays Leo, a figure representing comfort and connection in Caroline’s life. McCormack highlighted the depth of the project as a critical reason for his involvement, emphasising Bertinelli’s leadership on set. “She’s a leader. She sets the tone and establishes the standard,” he remarked, acknowledging the significant role she played in fostering a collaborative environment.

The film unfolds with Caroline and her husband Henry, played by Henry Czerny, whose lives are profoundly impacted by the diagnosis. As Henry’s memory deteriorates, Caroline must navigate the challenges of loss and grief. In the film’s trailer, viewers witness her intense struggle as she grapples with the realities of her husband’s decline. Yet, as the story develops, there is a glimmer of hope introduced through Leo, who encourages Caroline to rediscover happiness.

Bertinelli encapsulated the essence of the film beautifully: “It’s about love, it’s about loss, and it’s about finding that love with someone else again.” Her performance promises to offer viewers a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of overwhelming emotional challenges.

*Love, Again* is set to premiere on Saturday, May 9, at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime, and is expected to resonate with audiences as it delves into themes of love and the complexities of moving forward after loss. With Bertinelli’s heartfelt portrayal and a compelling narrative, the film aims to strike a chord with anyone who has faced similar emotional trials.

For those eager to catch the show, it seems to be a not-to-be-missed event that highlights the transformative power of love and the human spirit during difficult times.