Valerie Bertinelli recently received a delightful surprise from her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, during an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. The heartfelt moment showcased the close bond between the actress and her 34-year-old son, who is also a musician and the son of the late rock icon Eddie Van Halen.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Valerie-Bertinelli-Wolfgang-Van-Halen-Drew-Barrymore-Show-031026-241405dbdf2849baa77283abb9dcd5bb.jpg)
During the show’s broadcast, host Drew Barrymore expressed admiration for the dedicated and consistent love Bertinelli has always shown for Wolfgang. In response, Bertinelli, who was evidently excited, teased the audience by saying, “Well, just wait till you meet him.” This led to the unveiling of a touching video message from Wolfgang, who took the time to congratulate his mother on the launch of her new memoir, “Getting Naked,” and her digital platform, Valerie’s Place.
As he spoke directly to his mother on the screen, Wolfgang shared his pride and affection for her. “Congratulations on the book launch and on Valerie’s Place,” he said. “You’re doing so much; you’re so busy, and I’m so proud of you and I love you so very much.” His words radiated warmth, and the joy he felt about his mother’s accomplishments was clear. He even cheekily noted, “You’re probably crying right now,” before apologising for potentially making her emotional.
Indeed, the video did bring Bertinelli to tears. The 65-year-old actress, visibly moved by her son’s gesture, admitted her astonishment at his willingness to participate in such a public display of affection, given Wolfgang’s typically private nature. “He just lights up my life. I just adore him. I’m so proud to be his mother,” she shared, her emotion palpable.
The episode of The Drew Barrymore Show was particularly special, as it coincided with Bertinelli’s book release and the launch of her digital platform, which features a variety of content, including fan-favourite recipes and original programming. Bertinelli expressed her happiness for Wolfgang as well, acknowledging his recent marriage to Andraia Allsop in October 2023. “I’m just so happy that he found his person,” she remarked, highlighting a proud mother’s joy in her child’s personal life.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Bertinelli opened up about her memoir, titled “Getting Naked.” The book is a reflection of her journey, with the title symbolising both a physical and emotional unveiling. She candidly referred to the decision to pose nude on the cover as “my stupid bright idea” but acknowledged that she found joy in the experience.
“Because getting naked emotionally was the most important part of the book, I thought, ‘Well, I might as well expose myself there too,’” Bertinelli explained. She also shared her desire to embrace self-acceptance at her age. “Part of me also feels like at this age, if I can look good, do it,” she said with a laugh. “I have felt bad about myself for too many decades. I’m going to feel good about myself now.”
Valerie Bertinelli’s journey is testament to resilience and self-discovery. She has evolved from an acclaimed actress to a successful author and entrepreneur while maintaining a strong relationship with her son, Wolfgang. Their love and support for one another exemplify the powerful bond that family can offer.
As Bertinelli continues to share her story through her memoir and her new digital platform, she remains a source of inspiration for many, advocating that it is never too late to embrace oneself fully, both inside and out.