Mackenzie Phillips Reflects on Difficult Relationship with Richard Masur from ‘One Day at a Time’
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Mackenzie Phillips, known for her role as Julie Cooper on the iconic sitcom ‘One Day at a Time,’ has recently shared her candid thoughts on the dynamics behind the scenes during the show’s early days. In a conversation with her former co-star Valerie Bertinelli on the ‘Getting Naked’ podcast, Phillips revealed that Richard Masur, who portrayed Ann Romano’s lawyer and love interest, left her with a less-than-favourable impression during their time working together on the CBS show.
‘One Day at a Time’ premiered in December 1975 and quickly solidified its place in television history, running for nine seasons until its conclusion in 1984. The series focused on the life of Ann Romano, a divorced mother raising her two daughters while navigating the challenges of family relationships and societal expectations. During the podcast, Phillips discussed her early experiences with her co-stars, naming Masur as someone who was not particularly kind to her.
Reflecting on her experience with Masur, Phillips stated, “One person, and I have made peace with this person and we’ve spoken, but Richard Masur wasn’t very nice.” Despite acknowledging the negativity in their initial interactions, she explained that the two later reconciled when they encountered each other years later at a Comic-Con. At that event, Masur extended an apology for his past behaviour. “I don’t even remember what it was. I don’t even remember what I said, but whatever I said, I’m really sorry. And I’ve always thought you were so incredibly talented and we were all so young,” Phillips recounted, highlighting the passage of time and the growth that can occur in relationships.
Phillips portrayed the character of Julie from 1975 until 1980, at which point her character was written off due to her off-screen struggles with addiction. Although she returned for a brief guest appearance, her departure from the show was final in 1983. During her time on the series, she worked alongside the likes of Bonnie Franklin and Valerie Bertinelli, crafting a storyline that tackled complex issues such as divorce, identity, and the challenges of growing up.
Masur’s character, David Kane, had a short-lived presence on the series. He expressed ambivalence about his time on the show, revealing in an interview with The A.V. Club that he had even requested the show’s creator, Norman Lear, to write David off permanently due to his frustrations with the role. “I asked if David could be killed off because I didn’t want any possibility of returning,” he recalled, though Lear reportedly denied the request. David was ultimately written out after the first season, though he did make a guest appearance in the sixth season.
Despite the mixed feelings surrounding his role, Masur has shown appreciation for what ‘One Day at a Time’ contributed to his career. “Listen, I am so grateful for One Day at a Time, even though for years people would say, ‘Oh, you were on One Day at a Time.’ I was on the show for about seven months and then this haunts me for the rest of my life. No, I had no regrets. I was very grateful,” he said. This sentiment underscores the complex relationship actors often share with their early roles, particularly in a show that has had lasting cultural significance.
While Phillips has spoken openly about her difficult experiences, her reflections also demonstrate a willingness to forgive and move forward. The eventual reconciliation with Masur illustrates that individuals can navigate complicated feelings, and relationships can evolve positively over time. Both actors have continued to work in the industry, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with audiences old and new.
As fans continue to celebrate the rich history of ‘One Day at a Time,’ it is evident that the series not only provided entertainment but also fostered important dialogues around family dynamics and personal challenges. The stories told throughout its nine-season run remain relevant and cherished by viewers, contributing to the show’s legacy in television history.
In the end, the candid reflections from Phillips remind us that while the entertainment industry can have its share of challenges, the journey of personal growth is universally relatable, providing a narrative of resilience and understanding.