Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips Hash Out ‘Jealousy’ Felt During “One Day at a Time”: ‘I Know You Had Issues with Me’

Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips recently reflected on their time as teenage actresses on the hit sitcom *One Day at a Time*, revealing the intense feelings of jealousy and insecurity they experienced during the show’s production. Both women were just 15 years old when they began working together on the series, which debuted in 1975, under the direction of acclaimed television producer Norman Lear.

The show, which became a staple of American television, depicted the life of a divorced mother, played by the late Bonnie Franklin, raising her two daughters. Phillips took on the role of the older sister, Julie, while Bertinelli portrayed the younger sister, Barbara. Their performances won them both acclaim, but, as they later shared, the pressures of youth and fame created a competitive atmosphere between them.

In a candid conversation on the September 7 episode of Bertinelli’s podcast, *Getting Naked*, the actresses expressed how their rivalry stemmed from their insecurities during their teenage years. Bertinelli admitted to feeling intense jealousy towards Phillips, describing her as having a “perfect body” and being “a gorgeous tall string bean” who effortlessly fit into clothes. In contrast, Bertinelli felt increasingly insecure about her own body, noting that she thought her “hips kept getting bigger and bigger.”

Reflecting on those years, Bertinelli remarked, “Looking back now, I’m like, ‘Holy s—, I was 110 pounds. What the hell was I complaining about back then?’” She highlighted the contrast in their body types, suggesting that such differences were at the core of their feelings of competition. Previously, Bertinelli had spoken about the struggles of being fat-shamed as a child, illustrating the personal challenges she faced at a young age in the entertainment industry.

Phillips, too, shared her feelings of jealousy, pinpointing Bertinelli’s “perfect skin” and “stunning hair” as sources of envy. The discussion revealed a mutual recognition of each other’s struggles with self-image, as Phillips said she had to contend with her own skin issues, which left her feeling vulnerable. Despite both women projecting an image of confidence, they admitted to feeling insecure about their looks during their formative years.

The two actresses acknowledged how these feelings of rivalry affected their relationship, asking how much pain their jealousy caused them both. Often, the conversation ended on a positive note, as they credited the wisdom that comes with age for helping them gain a clearer perspective on their past. Bertinelli reflected on how Lear ensured that the show’s environment was supportive rather than competitive, a distinguishing feature that they both appreciated in hindsight.

Bertinelli, who has since enjoyed a successful career as a cookbook author and television personality on the Food Network, and Phillips, who faced her own battles with substance abuse, continued their dialogue in a subsequent episode of the podcast. In this additional installment, they delved deeper into topics such as Phillips’ memoir, *High on Arrival*, the challenges of grief, and the bond that has persisted between them over the years.

Despite a tumultuous journey, Phillips disclosed that her struggles led to her being fired from *One Day at a Time* during its sixth season. Although she was invited back after her departure, her temporary relapses ultimately led to her being written out of the show for good. The series itself concluded in 1984 after nine successful seasons but left an enduring legacy that included a modern remake in 2017 which centred on a Latino family.

Bertinelli and Phillips’ candid discussion about their past not only highlights the pressures faced by young actors but also exemplifies how time can foster understanding and healing. Their reflections serve as an important reminder of the shared experiences behind the scenes, often hidden from view, as stars navigate the challenges of adolescence in the spotlight.