Mackenzie Phillips, renowned for her role as Julie Cooper on the popular sitcom *One Day at a Time*, has openly discussed her lengthy period of celibacy during a recent episode of the *Getting Naked* podcast. In an engaging conversation with her former co-star Valerie Bertinelli, Phillips, now 66, revealed that she has not engaged in sexual activity for the past 15 years, making this announcement a rare glimpse into her private life.
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In the podcast, which is set to premiere on Valerie’s Place platform, Phillips described her evolving personality. Once considered extroverted, she now identifies more as a private individual who occupies her time with books and her beloved cats. “After socialising, I would return home completely drained, often devoid of words,” Phillips explained. This need for solitude, she suggests, contributes directly to her decision to remain celibate. “So, am I really going to say this out loud? I have been celibate for 15 years,” Phillips admitted, to which Bertinelli responded with astonishment.
Phillips continued by emphasising that her celibacy is not a source of shame. “I’ve had enough sex to last for several lifetimes for several people,” she quipped, indicating that her priorities have shifted significantly over the years. She said that the emotional wounds she has endured can now be addressed by herself, opting for self-care rather than seeking validation or connection through relationships.
During the podcast, Bertinelli shared her own experiences, revealing that she too has gone through extended periods without sexual relationships. “I’ve been celibate for almost two years now, and it doesn’t bother me,” she stated, displaying solidarity and understanding with Phillips’ choice. This candid exchange signalled a broader conversation about the nuances of intimacy and personal fulfilment beyond sexual relationships.
The revelation about her celibacy is just the latest in a series of personal disclosures Phillips has made regarding her life and career. She rose to prominence during her tenure on *One Day at a Time*, which aired from 1975 to 1984. However, her journey has not been without its challenges. Phillips was dismissed from the show due to her struggles with substance abuse, a topic she has candidly addressed in various forums.
Reflecting on the difficult times that surrounded her departure from the sitcom, Phillips recounted an incident related to her contractual “morals” clause. This clause stipulated that if the producers suspected her of being under the influence, they had the right to mandate a medical evaluation. Phillips described an occasion when a producer woke her from a nap to inform her that she would need to undergo a drug test. “It was a definitive moment that led to my exit from the show,” she explained, acknowledging how her struggles with addiction impacted her professional life.
A significant turning point in Phillips’ life came with her arrest in 2008 for possession of cocaine and heroin. This event led her to consider her relationship with drugs and sparked a desire to become a drug rehab counsellor. “How many more times does the universe have to knock on my door?” she wondered during a prior interview, illustrating her realisation that she needed to make substantial changes.
Phillips has also been open about her traumatic experiences in her personal life, including a complicated and painful relationship with her father, John Phillips, the founder of the folk-rock band The Mamas & the Papas. In her memoir, *High on Arrival*, she detailed a decade-long abusive relationship that began when she was just 19. Discussing these experiences, she indicated how compartmentalisation became a coping mechanism for her, allowing her to process the trauma while building her life and career.
Through her writings and interviews, Phillips has articulated a journey of healing and forgiveness. In her follow-up book, *Hopeful Healing*, she explored her feelings towards her father and emphasised understanding rather than hatred. “He was a very tortured man, and he sort of passed that torture down to me,” she reflected during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009, demonstrating a profound awareness of the complexities of family dynamics and personal trauma.
As Phillips continues to share her story, she also encourages those grappling with addiction or abuse to seek help and support. Resources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline are crucial for those in need, offering a lifeline for support and recovery.
In shedding light on her life, Mackenzie Phillips not only provides a candid reflection on her personal journey but also opens the door for greater understanding and compassion toward others facing similar challenges.