Valerie Bertinelli, 66, Discovers 1979 Lingerie Negatives While Decluttering — Photo

The beloved actress Valerie Bertinelli, at the age of 66, has recently unearthed an intriguing piece of her past while engaging in a thorough decluttering session at home. During her sorting, she stumbled upon two negatives from a long-forgotten photo shoot that took place in 1979 when she was just 19 years old. This unexpected find has sparked a lively conversation among her followers, as the images reveal a side of Valerie that many have never seen before. With their daring content, the negatives certainly caught the attention of her fans, leading to a split in opinions about what should be done with them.

A House Clear-Out Delivered Quite the Find

While going through boxes filled with memories and memorabilia, Valerie decided to share this discovery with her followers rather than simply putting the negatives away. The two frames depict a youthful Valerie in black lingerie, seated gracefully on a chair. Despite the small size of the negatives, they showcase different poses from a photoshoot that seemingly never made it to publication. In her Instagram post, Valerie expressed her surprise at the find, stating, “I’ve been doing a massive amount of decluttering around the house, going through old memorabilia… and stumbled upon a bunch of these negatives.” This revelation has left her fans reminiscing about her earlier days on television, with many expressing their admiration for her youthful charm.

Many of her followers were delighted by the images, recalling their fondness for Valerie since her early breakout roles on television. However, the actress herself admitted to having completely forgotten about the existence of these photographs, which may explain why they have remained hidden from public view for nearly half a century. “I had totally forgotten that I had them, which is why we probably haven’t seen them in print anywhere,” she explained. This candidness about her past certainly resonated with her audience, reminding them of the incredible journey she has taken through the years.

Her Brother Has an Entire Vault Waiting

Valerie also pondered aloud about the future of these negatives, mentioning her brother David, who is a photographer and has a vault filled with unseen images. She mused, “Maybe I should get him to do something with them? Or not? Toss or save?” This timely discovery coincides with the launch of a new project that Valerie and David have initiated together, focusing on unseen photographs and the memories they encapsulate. Their joint project, titled “Undeveloped: Stories from the Vault,” aims to provide a glimpse into Valerie’s personal history through the lens of these hidden images, allowing fans to connect with her experiences on a deeper level.

The series encourages viewers to explore how forgotten moments can take on new meanings over time, and the inclusion of these 1979 negatives would certainly fit within that theme. As part of this venture, Valerie revealed that David had selected three images that she hadn’t seen in years, with one of them being completely new to her. “Turns out some memories you think you’ve let go of, you haven’t,” she remarked, emphasizing the emotional weight these images carry. The first episode, titled “First Comes Love,” is currently accessible through Valerie’s Place, a subscription-based platform where she connects with her audience in a more intimate setting.

Fans Were Split Between “Save” and “Toss”

As Valerie posed the question of whether to keep or discard the negatives, her followers were quick to respond with their opinions. The mixed reactions highlighted a range of emotions towards the nostalgic images. Some fans were taken aback by the glimpse into her past, while others viewed the negatives as significant artifacts representing Valerie’s contribution to television history. One enthusiastic admirer simply exclaimed, “MA’AM ,” capturing the excitement surrounding the discovery. Another follower commented on her expression in the shoot, suggesting that she appeared uncomfortable, which sparked further conversation about the nature of the photoshoot.

There were also fans who shared their own experiences with old negatives, encouraging Valerie to preserve her finds. One supporter wrote, “Save. I love the old photos. Valerie, you are about my age. I still have some negatives  You certainly were stunning! You still look good .” In contrast, some voices recommended that she let them go, emphasizing the beauty of her growth as a person and a woman. “Toss, you are a better woman now. ” one commenter advised. The nostalgia of the 1980s was also brought up, with someone mentioning, “’Flash dance’ vibes! ‘She’s A Maniac’.” For many, Valerie’s enduring presence in television made the argument clear: these moments are worth saving.

Television Audiences Met Her at 15

Valerie Bertinelli first captured the hearts of television audiences when she landed her breakout role on the popular CBS sitcom “One Day at a Time” at the tender age of 15. The show, which aired from 1975 until 1984, chronicled the lives of a divorced mother and her two teenage daughters, allowing Valerie to grow up in front of a national audience. This exposure not only shaped her career but also endeared her to fans who watched her transition from a young girl to a woman navigating life’s challenges.

Her successful career has spanned across various television movies and series, including notable titles like “Touched by an Angel” and “Hot in Cleveland.” Valerie also became a beloved figure on the Food Network, earning recognition as a talented host and winning two Daytime Emmy Awards for her work. In 2024, she joined “The Drew Barrymore Show” as a lifestyle expert, further solidifying her place in the entertainment industry. The launch of Valerie’s Place in 2026 marked a significant expansion in her relationship with fans, allowing her to share more personal insights beyond traditional television appearances.

Another Old Favorite Returned in a New Form

Valerie’s recent ventures also include revisiting her past through a podcast titled “Still Hot in Cleveland,” which began in July 2026. Co-hosted with Todd Milliner, a former executive producer of the TV Land sitcom “Hot in Cleveland,” the podcast offers a retrospective look at the beloved series that ran from 2010 to 2015. The show followed three friends, played by Valerie, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Malick, whose emergency landing in Cleveland led them to discover new beginnings in life and friendship.

Recorded in her wine cave, the podcast allows Valerie to engage with other cast members, writers, and contributors in discussing the comedic journey of the series. “I’m still more than grateful for the experience, and I’m still [expletive] for cancelling us a year too early in my mind,” she shared, reflecting on the impact the show has had on her life. Valerie believes that her audience will appreciate the behind-the-scenes stories and creative evolution that unfolded throughout the series. The podcast aims to explore the bond that has developed among community members, highlighting the shared experiences that resonate with viewers.

A Conversation That Took a Very Personal Turn

Recently, Valerie had another candid moment when she spoke with Drew Barrymore about her new book titled “Getting Naked.” The conversation, which took place on March 24, 2026, centered around themes of aging, divorce, menopause, and the societal pressures women face to maintain a flawless exterior. Unlike many polished celebrity interviews, this discussion was refreshingly honest, allowing Valerie to share insights into her life and struggles.

During the conversation, Valerie and Drew exchanged compliments but quickly ventured into deeper territory, with Drew remarking, “We’re not two women chasing that dragon of youth.” Valerie laughed and responded, “No. I think I didn’t know you long before I was literally showing you my boobs.” This playful banter set the stage for a more profound dialogue about body image and self-acceptance.

What She Chose to Say Out Loud

As their conversation progressed, Valerie opened up about her personal experiences, particularly regarding her body. She disclosed that she has had four surgeries related to her breasts and candidly mentioned, “If you read the book, you’ll know that my boobs are deformed and I talk very extensively and graphically about how deformed they are.” The frankness of her admission highlighted the importance of honesty in conversations about self-image and body positivity.

Valerie recounted Drew’s reaction after learning about her struggles, sharing, “Drew is like, ‘How bad can it be?’ I’m like, ‘Really?’ And she goes, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s bad.’” This exchange further emphasized the bond they share, rooted in trust and the willingness to be vulnerable. Valerie’s humor shone through as she joked about her situation, expressing that the pressure to appear attractive is not currently a priority in her life.

The Surgeries Behind the Confession

Reflecting on her journey, Valerie elaborated on her decision to have breast implants in the late 1980s, which she initially appreciated but later grew to dislike. After years of fluctuating weight, she felt ready to return to her natural state. In 2024, after suffering a fall, she made the decision to have her implants removed; however, the outcome was not as she had anticipated. “The look on my doctor’s face when he finally saw me made me think ‘Oh [expletive]’ I guess I should have come in earlier,” she recalled, describing the serious infection that led to a second surgery.

This second operation required the removal of all implants, resulting in a significant change to her body. “It became a crater,” she described, indicating the challenges she faced throughout this process. Despite the difficulties, Valerie maintained her sense of humor, joking that her cats were the only ones who cared about her appearance, and she quipped about needing to date someone who couldn’t see. Her lighthearted approach to such serious topics showcases her resilience and ability to find joy amidst struggles.

Her Book Is All About Reclaiming the Narrative

In a March 21 Instagram post, Valerie shared behind-the-scenes images from the cover shoot of her book “Getting Naked,” capturing a spirit of empowerment and self-acceptance. The photos reflected a journey of uncovering her shame and taking ownership of her story. “Writing getting naked was a process. The process of uncovering my shame. The process of owning it, so no one could ever use it as a weapon to hurt me ever again,” she expressed in her heartfelt caption.

Through her candid reflections, Valerie emphasized the strength that comes from confronting fear and vulnerability. “I think we can never fully protect ourselves from feeling exposed, but the process of writing this book and posing for the cover was a beautiful fear I was able to walk through and get to the other side of,” she shared, inviting her followers to find their own joy in disarming any potential weapons that others might use against them.

As Valerie navigates this new chapter in her life, the rediscovery of her 1979 lingerie negatives serves as a poignant reminder of her journey in the public eye. At 66, she has gained the agency to define what those images represent and whether they should be preserved. Regardless of her decision, the act of reclaiming that narrative is a powerful testament to her growth and resilience.