Actress and TV host Valerie Bertinelli, beloved for her warmth and honesty, recently made a surprising confession that left fans stunned. During a candid conversation, the One Day at a Time and Food Network star opened up about a personal experience she’d kept private until now — admitting she tested positive, but not for what most people expected.
The 64-year-old star revealed that she tested positive for something emotional rather than medical — toxic self-talk and guilt she’d been carrying for years. After decades in the spotlight, struggling with public scrutiny about her body, image, and relationships, Valerie explained that she realized she’d been “infected” by the negativity she allowed herself to believe.
“I tested positive for self-criticism, for letting other people’s opinions define me,” she said. “It’s time to recover from that.”
Her raw honesty resonated with millions of fans who’ve followed her through heartbreak, loss, and rebirth. After her split from Tom Vitale and her emotional reflections on losing her ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen, Valerie has emerged stronger than ever — embracing peace, forgiveness, and self-love.
“I finally stopped chasing perfection,” she said. “Now I’m chasing peace.”
Her confession wasn’t about illness — it was about healing. And for countless fans who’ve struggled with the same battles, Valerie’s words were a powerful reminder that the hardest tests in life often don’t come from a doctor’s office — they come from within.