Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress and celebrity chef, has opened up about her journey to self-acceptance in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine. The 61-year-old star expressed her newfound freedom from long-held body shame, describing her current state as “perfectly imperfect.” This candid conversation comes ahead of the release of her memoir, *Getting Naked*, scheduled for publication on March 10 by Harper Wave.
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In her revelation, Bertinelli disclosed that she underwent breast augmentation surgery in the late 1980s, a decision she later regretted. After years of battling with her weight and experiencing significant stress, she chose to have the implants removed in 2024. “I liked it for a little while and then started to hate it,” she recalled, explaining that fluctuations in her weight made her increasingly uncomfortable with the implants.
Reflections on her body image continue to affect her, but Bertinelli has begun to embrace the changes that come with age. “Would I like my body to be more taut? Of course,” she remarked with a light-hearted laugh, pointing to her upper arms. The star recognises the positives of her journey, noting that her body remains functional and capable, allowing her to engage in the activities that bring her joy, such as carrying her dog and watching her son perform on stage.
Valerie candidly addressed her experience with stress-induced weight loss and the impact it has had on her mental health. “I lost way too much weight in 2024 because I was so stressed out,” she admitted, adding that she has now reached a comfortable place with her body. “I’m just normal. Even though I have a little pooch, who cares?” she said, reflecting a significant shift in her perspective.
Throughout her life, Bertinelli has faced societal pressures regarding body image and weight, often feeling inadequate as a result. She remembers being told she wasn’t “perfect enough,” creating an internal battle that lasted for decades. However, the actress has since come to terms with her weight fluctuations and embraces her figure as it is today.
In the interview, Bertinelli detailed the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her breast implant removal. Following a fall, she experienced a severe infection, necessitating follow-up surgery. Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, she quipped about the humorous aspect of her recovery. “I have to have one more surgery to even them out,” she said, while jokingly lamenting about the people who may be interested in her post-surgical appearance.
Bertinelli remains optimistic and engaged in her passions, particularly regarding her son, Wolfgang Van Halen. Accompanying him on stage has been a highlight for the actress, earning her affectionate nicknames from his fellow band members. She described herself as “Mama Wolf,” a testament to her embrace of her family life.
In addition to her endeavours as a mother, Bertinelli is also a proud member of the “Drew Crew” on The Drew Barrymore Show, contributing to lifestyle discussions with honesty and warmth. She has also launched a digital platform named Valerie’s Place, focusing on home cooking and connecting with her audience.
Keeping her spirits high, Bertinelli finds solace in simple pleasures such as watching “Bird TV” – long, peaceful videos of birds on YouTube – alongside her pets. “I’m a senior taking care of seniors,” she said, expressing joy in her role as a caretaker.
With the release of *Getting Naked* on the horizon, Valerie Bertinelli invites readers to share in her journey. Her memoir promises to be a celebration of imperfection and acceptance, serving as a reminder that self-love can be a lifelong pursuit, filled with both challenges and triumphs. The book is available for pre-order at various retailers and is set to resonate with anyone seeking comfort in their own skin.