Mackenzie Phillips, renowned for her role as Julie Cooper in the acclaimed sitcom *One Day at a Time*, recently shared insights into the factors that impacted her departure from the show during a panel discussion at the Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee. The event, held on July 10, 2026, saw the 66-year-old actress candidly revisit her experiences with addiction and the significant moment that shaped her career.
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*One Day at a Time*, which first aired on CBS in 1975 and continued for nine successful seasons, revolved around the life of single mother Ann Romano, portrayed by Bonnie Franklin, and her daughters, played by Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli. While Phillips charmed audiences as the rebellious teenager, her personal struggles with substance abuse led to a tumultuous period off-screen, ultimately culminating in her exit from the series.
During the panel, Phillips recounted her contract’s “morals clause,” a stipulation that specifically addressed her well-documented challenges with addiction. “Part of the contract was, because we all had a morals contract, but mine was a little more specific,” she explained. This provision allowed the production team to require a drug test if they suspected she was “under the influence.”
The turning point in her career came unexpectedly during a lunch break on set. Phillips described a moment of vulnerability while resting on the couch, only to be awakened by co-executive producer Patricia Fass Palmer. “She said, ‘Mac, wake up. Wake up. We’re gonna take you to the doctor and have you pee in a cup,’” Phillips recalled. Her initial response was one of desperation—she requested more time, aware that drugs could clear her system quickly. However, Palmer firmly dismissed her plea, leading to a prompt exit from the set.
Reflecting on that pivotal day, Phillips noted the abruptness with which her career trajectory shifted. “She said, ‘All right, Mac. Grab your stuff and get it together. Get all your stuff. And leave,’” she recounted. Consequently, her character was written off the show in 1980 after her dismissal, though Phillips made occasional guest appearances before her final departure in 1983.
In a conversation with *Fox News Digital* held earlier in May 2026, Phillips candidly acknowledged her struggles during her time on the show, revealing that she would sometimes slip away from filming to indulge in alcohol and drugs. “I just happened to be the one that got caught. And thank God I got caught, you know?” she expressed, offering a sense of gratitude for the wake-up call that came with her public struggles.
Aside from her work on *One Day at a Time*, Phillips has been open about her past, exploring themes of addiction and recovery in her later roles, including her character in *Orange Is the New Black*. She remarked during a 2018 interview that portraying an inmate grappling with addiction resonated deeply with her own experiences. “I’m on the other side of it,” she said, appreciating the chance to reflect on her journey.
In the years following her departure from acting, Phillips redirected her focus towards behavioural health, taking on the role of a counsellor at a treatment centre. This career shift reflects the depth of her personal transformation and commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.
Mackenzie Phillips’ narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities of addiction and the ways in which personal struggles can intertwine with professional life. Her frankness about her past illuminates the importance of addressing substance abuse, while her successful pivot toward counselling showcases the potential for recovery and reconciliation in the face of adversity.
For those grappling with addiction, Phillips’ story underscores the importance of seeking help. Resources, such as the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP, are available for anyone in need. As Phillips continues to share her story, she not only inspires those who know her work but also offers hope to many navigating their own paths to recovery.